Things just seem to go from bad to worse for Andy Tilley – the unluckiest reporter in the regional press.

Back in June this year, Andy, deputy sports editor at the Burton Mail, went on a press trip to Fort William.

His trip took an unexpected turn when during his journey out of the town a drunk driver rammed his car.

Andy was unharmed, although his car didn’t escape so lightly, and was so badly damaged it was in the garage for three weeks.

Following the accident Andy was called as a witness for the prosecution as the driver was pleading not guilty to charges of drink driving, dangerous driving and two charges of failing to stop after an accident.

He was told if he did not attend the hearing in Oban on the west coast of Scotland he would be arrested and fined £1,000.

Andy made his way up to Scotland the night before the hearing and arrived at the court early, only to be told the driver had changed his plea to guilty and he was no longer needed.

Andy said: “After eight hours and 377 miles, I walked into court to be told ‘sorry it’s off, he’s pleaded guilty – didn’t anybody tell you?!’

“They asked if I wanted to stay for sentencing but I went straight home – I’m glad I did because I called the next morning to find out the verdict and was told the case had been adjourned until September 10.

“I’d had to take two days off work, get the sports editor to cover for me and do an 800 mile round trip all for nothing – I couldn’t do anything else but laugh!”

Now, after being mugged earlier in the year, and then being rammed by a drunk driver, Andy is hoping this is his third and final piece of bad luck.

He said: “They do say these things come in threes – I must have done something really awful in a previous life – I hope that’s the end of it!”

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