Barry man who crashed car into house is jailed by magistrates (From Barry And District News)

Barry man who crashed car into house is jailed by magistrates

12:30pm Thursday 9th August 2012 in News By Chris Seal

A BARRY man who crashed a car into a house in Gibbonsdown has been jailed.

Stefan Bjegovic, of Edward Street, appeared at Cardiff and Vale Magistrates Court last Thursday (August 2) and was jailed for 108 days in total.

He was sentenced to 80 days for breaching a community order, originally imposed for assault; 28 days for failing to provide a sample after the motoring incident (to run consecutively); and 28 days for criminal damage to the rear window of a car (to run concurrently).

He pleaded guilty to all the charges and was also banned from driving for 17 months.

The court heard Bjegovic, aged 30, admitted failing to provide a specimen and driving without a licence and insurance after the crash incident on May 26.

Nia James, prosecuting, told the court that the offence was more serious because it was committed whilst he was on bail.

"On May 26 in the early hours of the morning, a member of the public reported a car crash at Gibbonsdown Rise," she said.

"Officers attended and saw a motor vehicle had collided with a dwelling. "It had gone through the front garden brick wall, causing extensive damage to the structure of the house.

"The defendant was still there and confirmed he was the driver of the vehicle. He was driving without a license or insurance for the vehicle."

Ms James told the court that a roadside breath test proved positive, but when Bjegovic arrived at the police station he failed to provide a sample.

Garth James, in mitigation, said that alcohol played a ‘substantial part’ in the offence, and that on the night in question Bjegovic had been told that his young son was ill and he was on his way to see him.

"He admits that he should not have done so and accepts the consequences of his actions," said Mr James.

"Thankfully no-one was hurt."

The court heard that the criminal damage occurred in the early hours of May 19, following an argument between Bjegovic and his brother.

"The defendant crossed the road and put his fist through the rear window of a Vauxhall Corsa," Ms James told magistrates.

Garth James, in mitigation, said the matter had arisen after a family dispute and that he had punched the car ‘in temper’.

"He readily admitted that to police and apologised and expressed remorse for his irresponsible behaviour," added Mr James.

The court also heard that Bjegovic had been given a community order in January following an assault, but that he had only completed two-and-a-half hours of a 90-hour unpaid work requirement.