Man, 18, avoids jail after crashing stolen moped as he transported drugs from Haverhill into Cambridgeshire

An 18-year-old man who carried cocaine when he crashed a stolen moped under the influence of alcohol has been spared prison.

Harry Grenville, of Balsham Road, Linton, has been sentenced to a programme requirement after admitting five offences - all committed on August 8 last year.

He was only 17 when his spree began with taking the moped in Haverhill and was seen to crash when driving along the A1307, Withersfield.

In March, Grenville pleaded guilty to: Driving above the alcohol limit (117mg per 100ml of breath), possessing cocaine, driving without an appropriate licence, driving without insurance, and driving and causing damage to a stolen vehicle.

Today, he was sentenced in Ipswich Magistrates’ Court.

Peace Egbulefu, prosecuting, said: “After the traffic collision, a search was conducted and (he) was found to be in possession of a class A drug, a large amount of cash, and two mobile phones. He did not have a full driving licence or insurance.

“The owner of the moped said it was stolen from his home address. It cost £3,000 and was returned with damages.”

She added that the loss of the bike had lost the owner hundreds of pounds worth of income.

Calvin Saker, representing Grenville, said: “It was a poor decision to use the motorbike, a decision which had been influenced by alcohol.”

He said the moped was at the property where his client had been with his friend. Mr Saker emphasised that Grenville had not stolen the bike himself.

He added: “He did not feel particularly affected by the alcohol before he started riding.

“From the impact of the crash his helmet split open. He suffered scarring to the head, and a cut to the face. He was taken to hospital where he was breathalysed.”

Mr Saker continued: “He feels remorseful about his actions.”

Chairman of Magistrates Daivd Broughton handed him a 24 month community order, including a 19 programme activity requirement.

He was also ordered to abstain from alcohol for 90 days, pay costs of £145, serve an 18 month ban from driving, pay a £95 surcharge, serve a rehabilitation requirement for 20 days, and has been given points on his licence.

The chairman said the early guilty plea was taken into account when sentencing.

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