Driver crashes his car four hours after being discharged from hospital

Tomasz Zielonka was driving his Ford C-Max along Bassett Avenue in May last year, less than four hours after checking out of hospital after an operation.

The 32-year-old then got behind the wheel, before beginning to feel dizzy, losing feeling in his feet, and crashing into a Mazda.

After being discharged at 4.45pm, the crash happened at 7pm.

A hearing at Southampton Magistrates Court was told how Zielonka had been in hospital that day, having had an operation that required a general anaesthetic.

The prosecutor said Zielonka was discharged at 4.45pm, being told my medics that he should not drive.

After initially getting a lift from his girlfriend, the two went to a restaurant in Portswood.

When they went to leave, Zielonka was adamant that he drive, and after feeling dizzy, caused the crash with the Mazda on May 17 last year.

The defendant told the court that he was never told that he couldn't drive, and said that he had not read the aftercare leaflets given to him by medical staff.

Tests later revealed that drugs from the anaesthetic were still in his system. He denied the charge of driving while unfit to drive through drugs, but was found guilty following a trial.

Sergeant Rebecca Hodge said: "This was an unnecessary collision which has led to the loss of Zielonka's licence. It was extremely lucky that nobody was injured.

"I would like to use this opportunity to remind people to listen and follow medical advice following appointments.

"Driving after a medical procedure can also invalidate your car insurance, so it is not worth the risk.

"This is a reminder that driving while unfit does not just relate to illegal drugs but also legal and prescribed drugs if they are found to impair your ability to drive safely."

Zielonka, of Bansbury Close, Southampton, was disqualified from driving for 12 months, fined £554 and ordered to pay £620 court costs as well as a £55 victim surcharge.