A TEENAGE driver fled from police after crashing his car into a tree — then refused to take a drug test

Jay Thomas Clasper, 18, of Lower Woodside Road, Wootton, appeared at the Isle of Wight Magistrates Court on Tuesday where he admitted a string of driving offences — two counts of driving without a licence, two counts of driving without insurance, failing to stop for police and failing to comply with a drug test.

The court heard Clasper, who only had a provisional licence had been arrested twice in the same month, once on August 10 and again on August 30.

Prosecutor Ann Smout said: "In the first instance, a couple were driving in Porchfield when a sliver Honda collided with them.

"The driver, Mr Clasper, told them he was uninsured and refused to swap details. The other driver took a picture of him, and he was recognised by police as Mr Clasper.

"The car was registered to another man living at the same address.

"On August 30, police saw a silver BMW in Wootton they suspected was being driven by Mr Clasper.

"Police turned on their lights but Mr Clasper drove off. As the police chased him, his car came off the road and crashed into a tree.

"He tried to make off through some nearby woodland before he was caught and arrested.

"He was taken to St Mary's as a precaution, where he refused to comply with any blood tests.

"He did, however, admit to police later that he has smoked cannabis prior to driving."

Barry Arnett, defending, said: "He can't remember much of what happened on the night. He broke his wrist in two places and banged his head.

"He has now made full admissions and knows he will be disqualified."

Clasper was banned from driving for 12 months and given six points on his licence.

He was fined £120 and ordered to pay court costs of £85 and a surcharge of £32.

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