Driver who crashed through Tesco store when he dropped his bum bag to escape £100k repair costs

Nicholas Morgan, 44, failed to appear at Cwmbran Magistrates' Court this morning but previously pleaded guilty to all charges at Newport Magistrates' Court last month.

The resident of Pen-y-Graig Terrace, Cwmfields, admitted driving without due care and attention, driving without insurance, and driving a motor vehicle otherwise than in accordance with a licence.

The court heard how Morgan drove a silver Ford Focus through the outer glass window panes of the Tesco store in Pontypool at around 9.30pm on Monday August 15.

Prosecutor David Cooke told the court that the company estimates it will cost £100,000 to repair the damage.

But, as Morgan was not charged with criminal damage, the maximum payment order that can be imposed on him by the court is limited to £300.

“There are no charges relating to criminal damage, only as an uninsured driver,” confirmed district judge Richard Williams.

Last month, judge Williams deferred passing a sentence as the prosecution said the results of a police drug test, taken at the time of the incident, were still outstanding.

The court heard that three drugs, including Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) – the principal psychoactive constituent of cannabis – were found in Morgan’s bloodstream.

“The laboratory in Teddington confirmed the presence of three drugs in his body, but all were within the legal limit,” said Mr Cooke.

He added that Morgan already had six points on his driving licence when he dropped his bum bag into the foot well of the vehicle, and looked down to pick it up.

As he raised his head, Mr Cooke continued, Morgan careered past a bollard in the direction of the supermarket and smashed through the glass, unable to stop in time.

The judge again adjourned the case to determine whether the defendant should received six additional points on his licence, and a disqualification ban.

Morgan will re-appear before magistrates on Thursday September 22.