Driver carried drunk pal on bonnet (From Darlington and Stockton Times)

Driver carried drunk pal on bonnet

12:04am Friday 31st August 2012 in News By Neil Hunter

A DRIVER who carried a drunken friend on the bonnet of his car for 30 yards was yesterday banned from the roads for a year.

Danny Hodson, from Middlesbrough, was also fined £200 and made to pay £200 costs when he appeared at Teesside Crown Court.

Hodson’s barrister, Duncan McReddie, described the incident on December 2, last year, as “five to ten seconds worth of madness”.

He said the 21-year-old, who has never before been in trouble, would also be hit by an insurance hike when he can drive again.

The apprentice engineer, of Hazel Grove, Marton, admitted a charge of dangerous driving in Stokesley Road, Middlesbrough.

The court heard how his friend, Alex Wardle, was crossing a road near the Southern Cross pub after a night out with mutual friends.

Mr Wardle claimed Hodson stopped within inches of him, revved the engine and then edged forward until he was knocked onto the bonnet.

Hodson insisted the complainant jumped onto the front of his Vauxhall Corsa, but accepted he drove off with him on there.

Emma Atkinson, prosecuting, said Mr Wardle needed a cast on a wrist injury and also suffered brusing and grazing to his hip and knee.

The court was told that Mr Wardle sent Hodson menacing messages demanding money in return for not reporting the matter to police.

Mr McReddie told Judge Peter Bowers he also made threats against Hodson, his home and his property.