A MOTORIST who drove over rather than round a mini roundabout in Carlisle has been given fines and costs totalling £785.

When 24-year-old Thomas Percival realised the police wanted to speak to him about what happened, he stopped the van he was driving and ran away, Carlisle's Rickergate court heard.

The defendant admitted two offences: careless driving at Blackwell Road on April 20 and failing to stop when required to by a constable. Prosecutor Graeme Tindall outlined the facts.

He said police were on duty near to the roundabout at 7.30pm when the defendant drove past them in a panel van, driving in a way that contravened the rules for using roundabouts.

As a result of his manner of driving, the police officers followed the defendant along Blackwell Road towards Five Road Ends.

“By that time, the vehicle had stopped, and the male driver had exited from the van and run off in the direction of Alton Street,” said Mr Tindall.

He was traced with a short time and apologised for his actions.

From the dock of the court, Percival, of Currock Mount, Carlisle, repeated his apology. “I’m aware that it’s a waste of all your time,” he said.

“I am disappointed in myself.”

After the incident, he said, he was told the police were stationed near to the roundabout and, only five minutes before he was there, they stopped a driver for the same offence and offered him advice.

He said that at the time of the offending, the roundabout was clear and he had therefore not put anybody at risk.

“Due to my [past] experience of the police, I handled this incorrectly and ran away,” he said, accepting that had a troubled past.

Magistrates imposed a £500 fine, a £200 victim surcharge, and costs of £85. His driving licence was endorsed with three points.