A 56-YEAR-OLD man has been ordered to pay more than £700 after crashing his mother’s car in Nailsworth.

Alexander Gray was found guilty of failing to stop and failing to report an accident at Stroud Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday.

The court heard that Gray crashed his mother’s Mazda into the electronic gate and stone pillar at Fountain House in Nailsworth at 12am on Sunday, September 29.

David Hawker, prosecuting, said Fountain House owner, Richard Erskine, heard a ‘loud thump’ from outside and went to have a look at the gates but did not see anyone.

The following morning Mr Erskine took photos of the damage and the skid marks which he believed indicated that the car was coming up the hill heading towards the gates at the front of the property.

Neighbour, Scott Broomfield, also heard a ‘loud bang’ at the same time and went outside to have a look, the court was told.

Gray, of Stroud Park Avenue, Dorset, did not attend court and was not represented but in a statement that was read out by Mr Hawker said ‘he was asleep in his car’ in a Nailsworth car park at the time of the incident.

The number plate of Gray’s car was found next to the cattle grid at the gates and Gray was found guilty of both offences in his absence.

He received eight penalty points on his driver’s licence, was fined £600, £85 costs and a £60 victim surcharge.