Newburyport man to pay $10K for destroying lamppost

Feb. 5--NEWBURYPORT -- A Kent Street man recently learned he owes the city $10,000 after admitting to a judge in December he could be found guilty of knocking down a downtown light post with his car and then driving off.

Francis Collins, 29, saw a charge of leaving the scene after property damage continued without a finding for nine months during his appearance Dec. 18 in Newburyport District Court.

Collins must pay restitution to the city. The amount has yet to be determined.

Collins was back in court Tuesday telling a judge that his insurance company would pay the city $10,000 in restitution for the lamppost at 1 Merrimac St. Court officials hope the matter will be resolved by March 18 when a restitution hearing is to be held.

The $10,000 likely did not come as a surprise to Collins, who was given that figure by the Newburyport police officer who charged him after the crash.

In his report, Newburyport police Officer Shawn Eaton responded to a hit-and-run accident Nov. 12 and found a city-owned lamppost torn from the ground at 1 Merrimac St. Witnesses said they saw Collins' gray Kia strike the lamppost about 9 p.m. and then drive away at a high speed, heading east.

A day later, Collins confessed to another officer that he struck the lamppost and drove away. When asked why he did not report the crash when it happened, Collins told the officer he "didn't think it was that bad," Eaton wrote in his report.

Eaton called Collins the same day and told him he would be summonsed to court for leaving the scene of property damage.

"Mr. Collins asked how much the property was valued at and who owned it. He was told the city of Newburyport owns the lamp and that it was valued at approximately $10,000 per the city electrician who was called to the scene after the crash," Eaton wrote in his report.

Collins disputed the amount, prompting Eaton to reply that he wasn't merely making up a number. Collins continued to argue, however, saying he did not believe his car caused that much damage to the lamppost, Eaton added.

Tracking down insurance companies is nothing new to the city's Finance Department, which is seeking reimbursement from two other motorists accused of knocking down lampposts, according to the city.

Finance Director Ethan Manning said once a property damage-related crime is recorded, the Essex County District Attorney's Office contacts City Hall and asks if the city will seek reimbursement. The city then typically submits claims to the driver's insurance company.

Staff writer Dave Rogers can be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @drogers41008.

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