Sale man stole and crashed ex-partner's car, while double the drink drive limit (From Messenger Newspapers)

Sale man stole and crashed ex-partner's car on the M61, while double the drink drive limit

3:00pm Tuesday 25th September 2012 in News

A Sale man took his ex-partner’s £12,000 car without her consent and crashed into a barrier on the M61 motorway.

Gareth Booth, 29, was over double the limit, and other vehicles were unable to avoid hitting him.

While on bail he trashed her home causing nearly £2,000 of damage.

Four days later, he smashed the back door windows of an ambulance after he had been seen walking about semi-naked on Marsland Road, Sale.

Booth of Abington Road, Sale, was jailed for a total of 20 weeks by Manchester magistrates.

“Drink is clearly a problem and a crown court judge offered help with an alcohol treatment programme.  But sadly it didn’t work.

“You terrified your ex-partner and only a custodial sentence is appropriate,” said District Judge Mark Hadfield.

Booth pleaded guilty to charges of driving with excess alcohol, aggravated taking, threatening behaviour and criminal damage.

He was disqualified for three years and the judge imposed a two year restraining order preventing him from contacting his ex-partner.

Prosecutor Gareth Hughes said Booth had smashed a window to get into the woman’s home last month.

He caused so much damage it took 14 members of the victim’s family to clear up the mess. 

While being taken to hospital by ambulance he deliberately threw himself against the back doors and put the vehicle out of commission.

Mr Vic Wozny, defending, claimed Booth had mental health problems after being stabbed and robbed last year.

“This has come back to haunt him and his mother has given up her home to look after him”, said Mr Wozny.