A former property developer who caused £120,000 damage when he ploughed a car into an Italian restaurant after talk its owner was seeing his ex, has been given a suspended jail sentence.
Christopher Brassington, of Honley was more than twice the drink-drive limit when he got behind the wheel of a friend’s Toyota Hilux and drove into the glass front of Rinaldis in Durkar, Wakefield an action his own lawyer described as being reminiscent of a Quentin Tarantino movie.
Leeds Crown Court heard last October that on January 7 last year Brassington, a banned driver was drinking with a friend and former business partner who mentioned his ex-girlfriend was believed to be having a relationship with the restaurant’s owner.
Mathew Harding prosecuting said that the friend “thought he was aware of the relationship but the defendant appeared surprised.”
When they left Brassington jumped into the driver’s seat of his vehicle and drove to the restaurant which was in darkness. Brassington revved the vehicle and said “I’m sorry” before accelerating into the building.
Mr Harding said both men were screaming as it smashed into the premises shattering glass and scattering chairs and tables before it was halted after four to five metres by a post supporting the ceiling.
Johnny Watson representing Brassington told the hearing last October that Brassington was not acting out of jealous because the relationship had been over for a considerable time but was having mental health problems and when his heightened levels of “mania” combined with drink he reacted.
“This is a bizarre entirely freakish incident which seems to have almost been taken from a Quentin Tarantino movie. This wasn’t a revenge attack borne out of a lengthy history of antipathy between the parties it seems to have been something sparked that very night and he seems to have acted accordingly.”
The court heard Brassington had built up a large million pound property portfolio from nothing in the 90s but in 2007 had a breakdown. “He returned home, pulled a blanket over his head and remained in bed for the next two years.”
That led to the collapse of his business, financial hardship and debts which added to his mental difficulties. At the time of the incident in January he was having psychiatric treatment.
Brassington,39, of Hall Ing Lane, admitted criminal damage, dangerous driving, driving while disqualified and driving with excess alcohol.
Sentence was then deferred for six months by Judge Shaun Spencer QC to give him the opportunity to address his problems.
Appearing back at the court yesterday Judge Neil Clark was told that Brassington had got psychiatric help, stopped drinking and stayed out of trouble.
Judge Clark said that Judge Spencer had indicated before his retirement, he would not jail him immediately if that was done and he would honour that.
He gave Brassington 12 months in prison suspended for two years with supervision and an 18 months driving disqualification.
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