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Drunk Benwell taxi driver did a runner from police after smashing into parked cars
A drunk taxi driver did a runner from police and tried to hide after smashing into parked cars.
Arkadiusz Buchaniewicz was behind the wheel of a Vauxhall Insignia in the early hours of October 22 when he crashed into parked cars on Two Ball Lonnen in Fenham, Newcastle. When police arrived on scene, the drunk 39-year-old made-off and attempted to hide behind other vehicles before "pushing" and "swinging" at officers.
Officers had to resort to pepper-spraying Buchaniewicz so he could be arrested, but he was so intoxicated he was taken to hospital due to concerns for his health. It was there that he refused to provide a breath sample.
Buchaniewicz, of Pendower Way, Benwell, Newcastle, appeared at Newcastle Magistrates' Court on Monday to be sentenced for failing to co-operate with a preliminary test, failing to provide a specimen for analysis, and driving without due care and attention. He pleaded guilty to the offences at the morning hearing.
Kingsley Njoku, prosecuting, said police were notified of a collision at around 2.52am which involved a Vauxhall Insignia colliding with parked vehicles. He said: "The defendant matched the description from witnesses when police arrived and he made-off from the scene of the crash. The defendant was seen by police on the same street swaying and falling into parked cars and they established he was drunk. When they told him to stop he tried to run away and hid behind cars."
Buchaniewicz then "pushed" the officers and was "swinging his arms at them", with the officers having to use "incapacitant spray" in order to arrest him. Mr Njoku said witnesses first became aware of the crash after hearing it. "They saw the vehicle, which was a taxi", he said, "It had scraped against the road side and into another car. The driver was standing at the driver side, he got back into the car and tried to start the engine, but it wouldn't start. Police said when they approached him, he was smelling of alcohol and was unable to support himself."
Due to concerns for his health, Buchaniewicz was taken to the Royal Victoria Infirmary and was asked to provide a breath sample - which he refused "without reason".
Nigel Boddy, defending, said: "The defendant is very contrite about the offence, he has been very open and honest. He's been driving his taxi and collided with two parked vehicles. CS gas was used on him, he hasn't offered any violence to anyone. He is aware of his alcohol problem and is seeking treatment for that. He has since lost his job, he was dismissed immediately, it was a company vehicle."
Mr Boddy added: "He lives alone, was very lonely and turned to drink for some consolation. He has complete remorse, he is a harmless, gentle giant." A probation report heard how Buchaniewicz, who has lived in the UK since 2006 and is a permanent resident, had drank at least seven cans of beer or cider, which had become a "habit". The report added he "cannot recall or explain why he decided to drive" but is now unemployed after being a taxi driver for six years.
Magistrates imposed a 12 month community order and imposed 60 alcohol monitoring days and 15 rehabilitation days. He was also banned from driving for 18 months and must pay £85 costs and £115 surcharge.
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