A lorry driver caused a serious accident whilst he was over the legal alcohol limit, a court heard on Monday.

Jessie Thomas Richards, aged 30, of West End, Redruth, failed to stop in his Scania tanker after causing the accident at Crofthandy, near St Day, on August 4.

In sentencing Richards to four weeks in prison, suspended for 12 months, Truro magistrates said: "The reason for custody is that you caused a serious accident whilst driving an HGV, dragging a parked vehicle along a hedge and causing significant damage to that vehicle parked in a layby."

They added that the offence was aggravated by the fact that he was under the influence of alcohol and that he failed to stop after the accident, when he knew he should have done, knowing the extent of the damage that was caused.

He had 54mcgs of alcohol in 100mls of breath. The legal limit is 35mcgs.

He admitted drink driving and also failing to stop after causing damage to a Fiat Panda.

Richards was ordered to carry out 100 hours of unpaid work and was banned from driving for 12 months. He was also ordered to pay £85 costs and £122 victim surcharge.