Skegness man crashed friend’s car in Louth after taking it without her content
A Skegness man who crashed his friend’s car after taking it without her consent has been left with a bill for more than £9,400.
Cody Leonard (27) had been looking after the woman’s children while she was at the pub.
Boston Magistrates’ Court heard on Wednesday, June 4, that 27-year-old Leonard wanted a drink himself and took the Nissan Juke just after midnight, intending to drive home.
However, he crashed in Brackenborough Road, Louth.
In a statement, the vehicle owner said the incident had been a “living hell”.
She added: “I just can’t believe how someone could steal from another person, let alone a friend.”
Leonard said in police interview that he would have returned the vehicle in the morning.
“I just needed a way to get home and get a drink,” he added.
The court heard that the 2014 car had been written off and was not insured. Outstanding finance on it totalled £9,424.98.
Leonard, of Everingtons Lane, had admitted aggravated vehicle taking on July 28, 2024 at a previous hearing and received an interim driving ban.
He was given a 12-month community order with 20 rehabilitation activity requirement days and a 12-month mental health treatment programme.
He was also banned from driving for 12 months and told to pay £9,424.98 in compensation.