Teenage Mercedes driver sentenced after crash with Tesla at busy Northampton junction

According to court documents, 19-year-old David Darku was behind the wheel of the Mercedes A180 which pulled out of Woodside Way, Kings Heath, into Mill Lane into the path of the Model 3 Tesla, which had right of way, on July 7, 2025. The resulting collision caused slight damage to the other vehicle and whiplash injuries to the driver.

Darku, of Brookside Meadows, Northampton, was caught on dashcam heading away from the scene and later charged with driving without due care and attention, failing to stop after a road accident and failing to report the accident.

He pleaded guilty to all three offences at a hearing at Northampton Magistrates’ Court on March 4, 2026, where he was fined £423.00 and ordered to pay £130 towards prosecution costs plus a £169 surcharge to fund victim services. His driving record was endorsed with six penalty points.