A driver who knocked a moped rider over in a hit-and-run in Nechells, then assaulted a Good Samaritan who tried to stop him, was found with empty vodka bottles in his car, a court heard. Paul Cox, 42, of Catisfield Crescent, Wolverhampton, appeared at Birmingham Magistrates' Court after the incident on Watson Road, Nechells, on April 2.
Incident Details
Cox was driving along Watson Road when he struck a moped rider, causing him to fall off. He then drove off without stopping and collided with another car. A witness intervened when Cox got out of his vehicle, attempting to grab his keys to prevent him from driving away. Cox became aggressive, clenching his fists, forcing the Good Samaritan to pin him to the ground while waiting for police.
When officers arrived, they reported smelling alcohol on his breath and observed that he was very unsteady on his feet and slurring his speech. During a police search, empty vodka bottles were found in his car.
Court Proceedings
Cox pleaded guilty to common assault, failure to provide a specimen for analysis, and failing to stop after an accident. He refused to provide a breath sample despite showing a high level of impediment. Deputy District Judge Wallace told Cox: "You clearly had a considerable amount to drink. You assaulted someone who was trying to prevent you from causing future harm to life."
Cox was banned from driving and released on conditional bail until his sentencing in July. The judge noted that the court did not have the power to impose a sufficiently long sentence at this stage.
