Driver smashes into pub...twice

Landlady Joanna Borrie assesses the damage after a vehicle collided with the the Saddler's Arms pub conservatory on Exmouth Road

A ONE-legged Chadderton man in his 90s left diners bloodied and dazed after accidentally driving into a pub restaurant — TWICE

The ex-Royal Marine crashed his Toyota caravanette into the Saddlers Arms in Lympstone, Exmouth, while holidaying in Devon — leaving people fleeing in panic.

After hitting the pub at around 30mph while trying to leave the car park the “confused” man, known only as Frank, reversed away from the scene only to smash back into it a second time at even greater speed.

He gave a negative breath test and was taken to hospital with a minor cut to his hand, while two other people were treated for injuries caused by flying glass.

There were fears the pensioner, who uses a wheelchair had suffered a minor heart attack after he complained of chest pains but that was ruled out by doctors.

Officers say he was confused and said he needed to get back up North and would not be able to catch the train. He was put up for the night at a Royal Marine camp in Lympstone and allowed to stay in the sergeants’ mess until the military were able to transport him home.

Waiter George Stone (18), said: “There were around 20 people in the restaurant area when the caravanette first ploughed in through the glass doors. Everyone fled the restaurant and then the driver crashed a second time.”

Witness Stephen Jones (45), from Exmouth, said: “When the man drove into the restaurant a second time I had to dive out of the way to prevent him from running me down.

“He kept saying he needed to get back to Oldham as quickly as possible.”

Jo Borrie, who runs the pub with husband Gary, said building work and the cost of replacing a conservatory would cost thousands.

She said: “The damage was quite extensive. It was quite an impact. He hit it at some speed.

“There was wood, glass and radiators flying across the room.

“A whole section of the conservatory was completely flattened.

“It was very shocking but it could have been so much worse. It was very lucky the injured people were not on the first table.

“It was a bizarre, freak accident. You couldn’t make it up. If I was him I would give up my car keys.”

A Devon and Cornwall police spokesman said: “He said the accelerator jammed and claimed there was a fault with the vehicle. There was no criminal case and no action has been taken against him.”