AN ISLE of Wight driver who ran a red light and collided with a car that had a newborn child inside was referred to by his pals as “the safest driver they knew.”
At the intersection of Newport High Street and St. James’ Street are traffic signals (Image: IWCP)
On Tuesday, September 24, Leon Phillips, of Dairy Crest Drive, Newport, made an appearance before Isle of Wight magistrates.
The 31-year-old acknowledged that on January 30 in Newport, he drove without using the necessary caution.
The charge, according to prosecutor Lauren McConnell, was connected to a collision on Newport High Street at the intersection of St. James’ Street that involved two cars.
According to her, Phillips ran a red light on St. James’s Street and collided with an Audi that was traveling along Newport High Street on his left.
A newborn child was among the occupants of the other car, according to Ms. McConnell, and dashcam footage of the event was played in court.
In his defense, Nick Muir stated that Phillips had been a driver for thirteen years and had a spotless driving record.
He said that after slowing down at an earlier intersection—which was his original route—he realized the road was closed and had to alter his course. Distracted, he said, he started paying attention to his passenger’s directions.
Mr. Muir informed the court that Phillips’ friends called him “the safest driver they knew.”
Phillips received a £320 fine and six penalty points were added to his driving record.
He was mandated to pay a £128 fee in addition to £85 in charges.
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Emmanulla Jacob