Families evacuated after Wymondham drink drive crash

Kristofer Swanton, 39, was at the wheel of a BMW when he lost control and struck a property on Cock Street in Wymondham. 

The crash on November 25 sparked an emergency that led to 10 families living in that and adjoining properties having to be moved out for their safety, Norwich Magistrates’ Court was told.

Denise Holland, prosecuting, said emergency services had taken action over fears the collision could have caused a gas leak.

Kristofer Swanton admitted drink driving after he crashed on Cock Street in November (Image: Google)

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Swanton, of Low Street in Wicklewood, between Wymondham and Hingham, pleaded guilty to drink driving.

The court was told following the crash the father-of-two had blown a breath test reading of 57mg - the legal limit is 35.

In a statement read out on his behalf, he told the court: “I’m extremely grateful for the work done by the emergency services.

“I have reflected on my behaviour and regret its effects on the occupants of the houses.” 

Lucy Brakewell, mitigating, said his work on construction sites involved driving regularly to Scotland and that he had been warned a lengthy ban might lead to him losing his job.  

“All he can say is he’s been an idiot and is sorry,” she added.

10 families had to be moved out of their homes over fears of a gas leak (Image: Newsquest)

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No one was injured in the crash and occupants had been allowed to return after no structural damage was discovered, the court heard.

Banning him from driving for 15 months, magistrates told Swanton: “You are remorseful but that is after the fact. 

“This could have been much worse. You could easily have killed someone.” 

He was told if he completed a drink drive awareness course his disqualification would be reduced by a quarter. 

He was also fined £553 and ordered to pay costs of £326.