Two nearby residents wrestled the intoxicated driver to the ground as he attempted to flee the scene on foot after coming close to harming children
A speeding BMW driver who crashed through a family’s garden fence while under the influence before attempting to flee the scene has been banned from the roads for 15 months.
Joseph Naismith, from Wallyford, East Lothian, was held down by nearby residents after colliding with several fences on a street in Dalkeith, just outside Edinburgh, on June 10, while under the influence of drink or drugs.
One local filmed the chaotic scenes, which show several fences and debris strewn across the garden and surrounding street.
A mum who lives in the area also described how 33-year-old Naismith attempted to escape after the incident, reversing the vehicle before trying to flee on foot. Two men stopped him, pinning him to the ground until officers arrived on the scene.
“He drove into the Woodburn pavilion car park, then drove right through the boundary fence, through my garden and through me and my neighbour’s fence,” recounted resident Shona Halliday, who was in her house when it unfolded.
Naismith can be heard screaming “get off me” in the footage before being helped to his feet and confirming his name to the police. At the time, a horrified mum explained how her 13-year-old son ‘could have been playing in the garden’ before Naismith crashed through the fence.
Shona added: “[A] Neighbour and a bystander got him out of the car and held him till the police came. No one was hurt but myself and my neighbour has 13-year-old boys who could have been out in the garden, such a shock.”
The now-banned driver pleaded guilty to driving at excessive speeds and in an erratic manner before colliding with a fence, driving into a residential garden and colliding with another fence, at Edinburgh Sheriff Court last week.
He also admitted to being behind the wheel of the car while unfit to drive due to drinking or drugs.
A 15-month driving ban was handed to Naismith, and he is required to sit an extended test. He was also fined £600 plus a £40 victim surcharge, which must be paid within two months.