Driver panicked and fled crash scene after he hit two vehicles

Joshua Paul Gerrard, aged 30, was behind the wheel of the car on Peverell Avenue West, Poundbury, on Sunday, October 11, 2020.

Weymouth Magistrates Court heard that Gerrard claimed he had ‘swerved to avoid a crash’ with an oncoming vehicle and collided with a lamppost and two vehicles, namely a BMW and Ford Fiesta. His Golf was left overturned on the road.

The owner of the Ford Fiesta told Dorset Echo at the time of the crash how she had heard an ‘almighty bang’, and she was left without a car due to its severe damage.

A mum's car has written off after it was severely damaged in a crash in Poundbury. Inset: Photo of the overturned vehicle.

Prosecuting, Helen Diffey, told the court that police officers responded to the ‘serious’ crash and carried out a search for the Golf’s driver and deployed a police helicopter to search the area.

She added that Gerrard ran away from Peverell Avenue West over fears he would be penalised for not having car insurance.

Mrs Diffey said: “He was aware that he struck stationary vehicles. He was unable to get out of the vehicle and the car was smoking.

“He believes he was unconscious for five to 10 seconds but was eventually able to get out of the car.

“Several people gathered and one woman said she would call the police and due to him not having any insurance he panicked and ran away.”

Inside the damaged car

Gerrard fled the scene and started to walk towards Maiden Newton – but did notice a police helicopter flying in the area.

In police interview, Gerrard admitted that he didn’t call the police until Tuesday, October 13 about the collision when he confessed to being the driver of the Volkswagen Golf.

Mrs Diffey continued: “He said in police interview he had swerved to avoid a collision. He confirmed he was the driver of the car.

“He admitted to not having insurance and he states he was paying temporary insurance and was struggling for money.”

Gerrard added he was travelling within the speed limit and apologised for his actions during police interview.

Emergency services in Poundbury, Dorchester following a crash on Sunday evening (October 11). Picture: James Wilson

Gerrard, of Sheridan Close, Frampton, pleaded guilty to charges of being the driver of a vehicle that failed to stop after a road accident and driving a vehicle without insurance.

Mitigating, Kenny Sharpe, said Gerrard admitted he ‘made a series of poor decisions’ and made ‘full and frank admissions’ about what happened during the police interview.

He said: The fact he had no insurance is what caused the panic. The next day he felt bruised and hurt (from the crash) and the day after that, he contacted the police and told them what happened.

“He sat back and waited for the police to call him back.

“Clearly he was aware that the police would be able to identify the driver.”

The case was adjourned for a pre-sentence report. Gerrard will appear at the same court for sentencing on May 20.