Drunk driver crashed stolen JCB in Wolverhampton wrecking spree
A drunk man stole a JCB digger and recklessly drove it along Cannock Road in Wolverhampton, tearing into fence panels and gates.
Wearing a stolen high-visibility jacket at the time, James Dowding, of Bealeys Avenue, Wednesfield, caused £500 damage in the wrecking spree after taking the keys from a building site on Primrose Lane, Bushbury.
Dowding was caught driving the £10,000 digger by police on April 15. He entered the building site around 1am and took the keys out of the jacket's pocket, Wolverhampton Magistrates Court was told.
Paul Eckett, chief magistrate, said: "We would like to know why he thought it was OK to steal a vehicle worth around £10,000.
"The fact this wasn't a lot more serious and didn't cause much more damage is a stroke of luck."
Dowding, aged 28, admitted theft of a motor vehicle, using a motor vehicle without third party insurance, driving whilst unfit through drink and criminal damage.
He was given an interim driving ban ahead of his sentencing at Wolverhampton Crown Court on June 16.
Mr Roger Bleazard, prosecuting, said he was 'clearly unable to control the vehicle' when police pulled him over. He said:
"He damaged a fence and some gates while driving. It is quite a serious offence."
