A CHEF is in hot water after he turned up to court and admitted a string of offences against him, but then left before being sentenced as he did not want to miss his train home.

Zak William Duggan, 25, admitted four offences when he appeared at Welshpool Magistrates’ Court this week – including drug driving, careless driving and failing to provide his details following an accident.

But magistrates then issued a warrant for his arrest after he left court at the lunch recess and never returned.

The offences relate to October 11 last year when Duggan, of Newtown Road, Penperlleni, Pontypool, was in a road traffic collision in Machynlleth while driving a silver Toyota Celica.

At court on Tuesday, April 18, he admitted drug driving, after he provided a reading of seven micrograms of cannabis in his blood (the legal limit is two micrograms) when police eventually caught up with him, having originally left the scene of the accident.

The accident occurred at around 4am on the A487 at Glandyfi. Duggan also admitted careless driving, failing to give his details and causing a vehicle to be left in a dangerous position – it was left in such a position as to involve a danger of injury to other persons using the road.

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A fifth charge of failing to report the accident was withdrawn.

Prosecutor Helen Tench told the court police received a call from a witness to the accident.

“The manner of driving was observed and described as erratic, the defendant was speeding and overtaking,” said Mrs Tench.

“Witness Mr Townley described there being major damage to the vehicle as well as road furniture. He asked the driver if he was OK, there was blood all over his face. He said ‘I’m okay mate’ and walked off.

“Officers found a can of alcohol in the vehicle and noticed a strong smell of cannabis.

“The defendant was located within a short distance and was conveyed to hospital due to his level of injuries."

Mrs Tench said Duggan had no previous convictions.

Rob Hanratty, representing Duggan, said: “This is not a drink drive case, there was no impairment. The level of cannabis is not likely to have been a contributory factor."

He added: “He suffered a bang on the head and he was confused. All he could think about was walking to a house to make a phonecall.

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“A call was made one to two hours later. Police made arrangements for him to remain at a certain location until they arrived so he could receive the necessary medical attention.

“He is a cook/chef near his home. He walks three miles to get there as his car is now gone.”

Magistrates ordered a pre-sentence report, but when they adjourned for a lunch break, Duggan said he would need to leave in order to catch his train home.

When the bench returned for the afternoon, they issued a warrant for Duggan’s arrest.