POLICE found a man’s saliva on the airbag of a car which crashed into a tractor on the A595 — after two men were seen to flee the scene.

Details of the collision between Wigton and Thursby were outlined at Carlisle Magistrates’ Court.

This occurred at around 12-30pm on November 22 last year.

The driver of a tractor with a small tipper attached was emerging from crossroads at the Woodcock junction.

“It was protruding slightly, so the driver could get a view of the road,” said prosecutor George Shelley.

At that time, a black Volkswagen Golf was passing and being driven “at speed”.

The driver had been unable to notice this tractor even though there was “a clear and unobstructed view of the location”.

“The Golf has then hit the front of the tractor and spun in the road before the two occupants of the (Golf) vehicle have fled,” said Mr Shelley.

“However, the airbag has activated and was sent off for forensic analysis.”

Magistrates were shown the findings of a report which stated: “Visible blood-staining was seen to the front and back surfaces of the airbag.”

There was also reference to the presence of saliva. "That was matched with the DNA profile of Lee Jefferson,” said Mr Shelley.

“The saliva is confirmed as originating from Mr Jefferson."

Police spoke by phone with the female registered keeper of the vehicle.

She stated she had not been driving it at the time and that her partner, Jefferson, had been using it.

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Jefferson declined to attend two voluntary interviews and was prosecuted for careless driving, failing to stop after an accident and failing to report an accident within 24 hours.

Jefferson was not present at court to answer the charges when details of the incident were outlined today (Tuesday).

After hearing Mr Shelley’s submissions, magistrates found the case proved in his absence.

Jefferson, whose address was given on court papers as Highfield Court, Wigton, now falls to be sentenced.

Magistrates adjourned the case to July 25 for Jefferson to attend court.

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