A Mildenhall man has been given a suspended prison sentence and a four year driving ban after running away and hiding following a serious crash on the A1101 near Lackford.

Jamie Feltner, 36, pleaded guilty at South East Magistrates’ Court yesterday to failing to report an accident, failing to stop after a road accident, failing to provide a specimen of breath for analysis and failing to co-operate with a roadside breath test.

He also admitted using a vehicle without insurance and driving without a licence.

Prosecuting, Colette Harper said Feltner was involved in a serious two car collision in Lackford on February 19 where both vehicles ‘had sustained extensive damage’.

She said the other driver, who was in a Renault Clio, said he was driving from Bury St Edmunds along the A1101 when he saw headlights coming straight towards him on his side of the road.

She said he confronted Feltner who quickly fled the scene.

“He heard a rustling on the bushes as Mr Feltner runs and hides,” she said.

A search of the area was undertaken by police, who even sent out a helicopter to find Feltner.

“He was eventually found hiding near a pond,” said Mrs Harper.

In Mitigation, Shelley Drew said Feltner admitted he did have a drink that evening and was scared of getting caught as he had a previous conviction for failing to provide a sample of breath.

She said: “What he wishes for me to get across on his behalf is his stupidity on this occasion.

“After the accident he says he panicked and ran off.

“He says after running off he realised how stupid he was being so he decided to lay on the floor and wait for police to catch up to him.”

For failing to report, failing to stop and failing to provide a sample of breath magistrates handed Feltner a 12 week prison sentence, suspended for one year.

He will also have to finish a ten-day rehabilitation activity requirement and complete 100 hours of unpaid work.

For driving without a licence, driving without insurance and failing to give a roadside test his licence was endorsed.

He must also pay £300 in compensation to the driver of the other vehicle to cover the insurance deduction.