A speeding BMW driver from Midlothian who crashed through a garden fence while under the influence of alcohol has been disqualified for 15 months.
Joseph Naismith was pinned to the ground by locals after he crashed into several fences at Thornybank Grove in Dalkeith while under the influence of alcohol or drugs on June 10 this year.
A video filmed by a local resident captured the chaotic scenes as several fences were destroyed and debris was left strewn across a family's yard in the residential area.
A local mother also claimed Naismith tried to reverse the vehicle before getting out and was pinned in the grass by two men when police arrived at the scene.
The 33-year-old, from Wallyford, East Lothian, was heard shouting “get off me” before he was helped to his feet and confirmed his name to officers. At the time, a horrified mother said her 13-year-old son “could have been playing in the garden” before Naismith crashed through the fence.
The scene after Naismith plows through the garden fence. -Source:Supplied
Last week at Edinburgh Sheriff Court, Naismith pleaded guilty to driving at excessive speeds and behaving erratically before colliding with a fence, driving into a residential garden and colliding with another fence.
He also admitted that he was driving because he was drunk and was not fit to drive.
Naismith was disqualified from driving for 15 months and must complete an extended test. He was also fined £600 plus a victim surcharge of £40, to be paid within two months.
Speaking to Edinburgh Live, resident Shona Halliday was in her home at the time of the accident when Naismith crashed through the fence.
Shona said: “He drove into the Woodburn Pavilion parking lot, then right through the boundary fence, through my yard, and through mine and my neighbor's fence. Then an attempt was made to drive backwards.
“A neighbor and a passer-by got him out of the car and held him until the police arrived. Nobody was hurt except me and my neighbor has 13-year-old boys who could have been out in the garden, what a shock.”
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