SPEEDING motorcyclist Mark Sweeney was over the alcohol limit when he crashed into the Fountain pub at Soham in the early hours, and landed up laying in the gutter with serious facial injuries. And after the accident, a group of people were recorded on CC

SPEEDING motorcyclist Mark Sweeney was over the alcohol limit when he crashed into the Fountain pub at Soham in the early hours, and landed up laying in the gutter with serious facial injuries.

And after the accident, a group of people were recorded on CCTV, moving his trials bike away from the scene of the accident, magistrates heard this week.

Appearing at Ely courthouse, 24-year-old Sweeney admitted drink-driving in Soham High Street on May 10.

The accident happened around 2am, after CCTV had recorded Sweeney speeding along the road, said prosecutor Olivia Gooding.

"As he approached the corner outside the Fountain he lost control, and crashed into the pub wall."

"He was left laying in the gutter near the bike. Two or three people were seen on CCTV to remove the bike."

Five minutes after the crash, a fire engine answering an emergency call in Newmarket arrived on the scene, and stopped to assist, added Ms Gooding.

"The police were not able to establish if he was riding a motorbike at the time. Because of his facial injuries, he was taken to Addenbrooke's Hospital. His clothing was seized."

A blood test taken from Sweeney showed a reading of 105 mgs of alcohol in 100 mls of blood, when the legal limit is 80 mgs.

After viewing CCTV, Sweeney admitted he had been riding a motorbike at the time of the accident.

Before the crash, Sweeney had been drinking in the Red Lion, said solicitor Michael Judkins.

"He cannot recall the accident because of the severity of his injuries," he said. "He had ridden into Soham from his home in The Shade, but had not intended to ride home."

Sweeney suffered injuries to his nose, cheeks and jaw, and a metal plate has been inserted into his face. He also suffered a leg injury. Following the accident, Sweeney lost his job as a trainee welder.

The court banned Sweeney from driving for 12 months, and fined him £100 with £95 costs and a £15 surcharge.