Driver who caused £22,000 worth of damage to Northampon house avoids jail

Sarah How, aged 44, crashed her car head-on into a house in Cranbrook Road, Kingsthorpe Hollow, after she failed to stop at a T-junction.

Northampton Crown Court heard How was driving a VW Passat at about 11.30pm on August 15 last year when the crash happened.

Dominic Woolard, prosecuting, said witnesses said the car was travelling in excess of the 30mph speed limit and failed to brake before hitting the house.

Mr Woollard said that How, who was wearing her pyjamas, was seen to exit the vehicle as well as her two male passengers.

A neighbour saw How discard her keys under a car and she was asked to stay at the scene until police arrived.

After being arrested and taken to the police station, How, who officers said smelt of alcohol, failed to give a sample of breath for analysis.

Further investigations also revealed the car did not have a valid MOT certificate.

Mr Woolard said the front wall and porch of the house were totally destroyed in the crash, costing £22,000 to repair.

The court heard the Dean Smith, the homeowner, and his partner and their young child were upstairs in the house when the crash happened.

How pleaded guilty to charges of dangerous driving, failing to give a specimen for analysis and driving a vehicle without a valid MOT.

Her Honour Adrienne Lucking said it was “sheer luck” that How did not kill anyone.

Judge Lucking sentenced How, of Holcot Road, Brixworth, to 14 months in prison, suspended for two years.

She must complete 100 hours unpaid work and was given a curfew from 8pm until 6am for 12 months. She must also pay £1,000 compensation to Mr Smith.

How was also disqualified from driving for four years.