Suspected drink-driver due in court as 'horrified' Southsea pensioner, 91, fears car is 'written off'

Former banker Keith Stoneman, 91, was woken from his bed by police at 4am on Wednesday after a number of vehicles were hit by a car in St Helens Parade and South Parade in Southsea.

The damage had taken place between 2.56am and 3.30am, police said.

Keith has been left ‘horrified’ by the whole incident and fears his Kia Soul is a write-off.

He told The News: ‘I was shocked when the call came through and when I came outside I was stunned by what I saw.

‘The whole front of my car had been pushed up and through the railings alongside the pavement.

‘Fortunately I was not in the car.’

While Keith has been isolating for the last few weeks due to his vulnerability to coronavirus, he said that his car helps him to maintain his independence.

‘I bought the car five years ago and it’s my contact with the outside world,’ he said.

‘I use it to go shopping, to the cinema and sometimes to travel to Epsom where I am a member of a club.’

‘Seeing the extent of the damage I’m certain the car will be written off.

‘It’s not as big a problem as it could have been as at the moment I’m having to stay in because of the virus. However, I’m 92 next month and so I need to consider if it’s worth buying a new one,’ he said.

SEE ALSO: Suspected car thief, 16, 'spits at, kicks and punches' police officers as 4 are assaulted in two incidents

:: Oliver Grant, 32, of Highgate Road, Copnor, has been charged with driving a motor vehicle while over the alcohol limit. He is due to appear at Portsmouth Magistrates' Court on May 28.

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