Speeding Leeds drunk driver crashed into tables outside Hyde Park pub

Daniel Meeson was caught on CCTV as he approached the crossroads at Hyde Park at the wheel of his father's Ford Focus while almost three times the drink drive limit.

The Focus can be seen veering off Hyde Park Road and onto the pavement outside the One Stop Shop, where it hit two bollards before almost striking three pedestrians in the early hours of December 7 2019.

Meeson failed to stop and drove across the crossroads before crashing into fencing and picnic tables outside the Hyde Park pub.

A police patrol car - which was waiting at traffic lights at the junction when the crash happened - blocked Meeson's path when he tried to run away.

Meeson, 27, was arrested and blew 100 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath.

The legal limit is 35 micrograms of alcohol.

Prosecutor, Jonathan Sharp said: "This offence was committed whilst he was extremely drunk...he came within a hair's breadth of killing or seriously injuring three people."

The court heard Meeson, who lives with his father on St John's Close at Hyde Park, had got home drunk at around 2am on the morning of the incident.

Mr Sharp said Meeson's father let him in the house and noted he was "so drunk he couldn't stand."

Meeson, who did not have a licence or insurance, took his father's Ford Focus without his permission after his father went back to bed.

Meeson admitted dangerous driving and taking a vehicle without the owner's consent.

Giving evidence, Meeson's father Colin told the court his son had never taken the car before and it was out of character.

Colin Meeson said "What has happened there is disgraceful. He is lucky he has not killed anyone."

Martin Morrow, mitigating, said Meeson had been using alcohol as a "coping mechanism" since being the victim of an attack in 2016, adding: "It was a catastrophic decision he made."

Judge Andrew Stubbs QC handed Meeson an 11-month prison sentence, suspended for two-years.

Meeson was banned from driving for three-years and given a six-month 8pm to 8am electronically tagged curfew.

He must also complete a 15-day rehabilitation activity requirement activity and a three month alcohol treatment programme.