A driver who fled the scene of a collision just minutes after buying a car has been given a suspended prison sentence.

Ely Standard: The aftermath of the collisionThe aftermath of the collision (Image: Archant)

Ely Standard: The aftermath of the collisionThe aftermath of the collision (Image: Archant)

Andrew Day, 46, had previously lost his licence after being caught behind the wheel while disqualified when he purchased a Ford Mondeo at 4pm on May 30.

Despite having no licence or insurance, he began driving the vehicle back to his home in Green End, Landbeach, but crashed into a Ford Fiesta on the A505 at Thriplow 35 minutes later.

But with the other driver trapped in the Fiesta, Day climbed into his friend’s minibus, which had been following behind, and made off from the scene.

However, he had left his mobile phone and sat nav, complete with home address, in the vehicle and had also given his details to the owner of the Mondeo when buying the car.

Officers caught up with Day at his work on June 5.

He appeared at Cambridge Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday and pleaded guilty to driving otherwise in accordance to his licence, driving with no insurance and failing to stop at the scene of a collision. He also admitted a previous driving while disqualified charge.

He was sentenced to 20 weeks, suspended for 12 months, given a 12-month supervision order, ordered to carry out 80 hours’ unpaid work, pay £80 victim surcharge and £135 court costs and was banned from applying for a licence for 18 months.

PC Dave Black said: “It is almost incomprehensible that anyone would leave the scene of a crash where someone is potentially seriously injured. Not only did he fail to stay and admit his culpability, but he then laid low for several days at friends’ houses in a bid to avoid being arrested.

“He was clearly only thinking of himself and had no empathy for the victim.

“The other driver is still off work recovering from his injuries and I have no doubt that Day’s actions will continue to affect him for some time.

“Fortunately, we were able to track Day down and put him before the court. He now faces being jailed if he commits any further offences in the next 12 months.”