Speeding Bolton man knocked Alexandria wall onto rail line

He disappeared during that time and attacked police after a manhunt.

And he offered no explanation of why how and why he got there, other than being “impulsive”.

But Steffan Crompton has been allowed to keep his licence so he won’t lose his job at the National Grid.

The 34-year-old, from Bolton, previously pleaded guilty to two incidents in Alexandria that caused hours of disruption.

Just after 10am on August 29, he was speeding on the wrong side of Main Street near Vale of Leven Academy. He collided with a wall and lamp post, causing damage to both and the car.

(Image: Network Rail)

It caused masonry to fall on the rail line, forcing the route between Dumbarton and Balloch to close for emergency repairs.

At the time, it was reported that the car’s driver fled the scene before police arrived.

They appealed to find the man, dressed in a blue anorak and denim trousers.

Main Street was closed between Wylie Avenue and Place of Bonhill.

More than three hours later, Crompton was found on the Dumbarton High Street. He acted aggressively, shouted, swore, uttered threats of violence towards police and struggled with officers.

He admitted that charge and to driving without due care and attention.

(Image: Network Rail)

At Dumbarton Sheriff Court on May 28, Sheriff Maxwell Hendry was unimpressed.

“What puzzles me is that the accident happened in Alexandria,” he said, “there’s no suggestion he suffers head injury, and his behaviour toward the police takes place some three and a half hour later, at an entirely different locus, and claims to have no recollection of intermediary period and tells police he is going to ‘do them all’.”

Crompton’s defence solicitor said: “He is apologetic and ashamed of his actions.”

The sheriff replied that if his client had a concussion, that might be an explanation.

The solicitor said it was a “fairly impactful crash”.

He said his client had been abstinent from any alcohol or narcotics for some time.

It was agreed he was speeding at around 40mph and there was “dampness on the road”, he continued.

“A previous accident left a car somewhat protruding,” said the solicitor. “And when he came around, he lost control of his car.

“He seems to have got his life relatively back on track. He is employed by the National Grid, being in real jeopardy of losing his job if he loses his licence.”

The solicitor said Crompton, of Fair Street, had a “checkered past”.

He added there was “really no excuse” for the behaviour to police. “It’s just not on,” he said. “He apologises for his action.

“I believe he would benefit from supervision. It seems most of his actions seem impulsive.”

Sheriff Hendry said the man’s main concern should be that he not get sent to prison.

“I want you to understand you have come very, very, very close to at least losing your licence,” he said.

“The driving incident is far from the first time. The police incident is inexcusable.”

He imposed eight penalty points on his licence and fined him £300, plus a £20 victim surcharge.

For the police abuse, he was put under social work supervision for 12 months. He must do 150 hours of unpaid work in the community within a year.