A community order has been imposed following a drink-driving incident in which a Royal Mail vehicle was involved in a head-on collision. The driver, 44-year-old Mitul Patel of Iliffe Road, Northfields, appeared at Leicester Magistrates’ Court on 13 October 2025 for sentencing, having previously pleaded guilty to the offence.
The incident occurred on the evening of Friday, 15 August 2025, in Woodgreen Road, Leicester. It was stated in court that the defendant had consumed whisky and lager after completing his postal delivery shift. While still wearing his work uniform, Mr Patel re-entered the Royal Mail van and attempted to move it a short distance, resulting in a collision with another vehicle.
Leicestershire Police attended the scene and observed indicators of intoxication, including slurred speech, unsteadiness, and the smell of alcohol. An initial roadside breath test recorded a reading of 187 microgrammes of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath. A subsequent evidential test taken at the police station recorded a lower reading of 148 microgrammes. The legal limit is 35 microgrammes.
The offence was categorised within the highest range of sentencing guidelines. A pre-sentence report from the Probation Service recommended that rehabilitative measures be considered, noting that the case met the custody threshold but also referenced the defendant’s previously good character.
In mitigation, it was stated by Mr Patel that the offence had been a mistake. The court was informed that Mr Patel had since resigned from his role with Royal Mail at the request of his employer and was no longer in employment.
A community order lasting 12 months was imposed. Conditions include the completion of 200 hours of unpaid work, six months of alcohol treatment, and 10 additional rehabilitation days. A driving disqualification lasting three years was also issued.
The presiding magistrate, Gareth Roberts, noted that the offence had crossed the custody threshold but that the sentence had been suspended in light of the defendant’s prior conduct.
About Carl Millar
Carl Millar is a highly respected and experienced drink driving solicitor who is the principal of Millars Solicitors.
Carl has been a specialist in road traffic law for many years and represents clients from all walks of life and all over the Country. He is well known for the dogged defending of his clients and robust cross examination of police officers and exert witnesses.
With a wealth of expertise in motoring law Carl is well placed to provide advice over the phone and deal with all road traffic matters in a calm and professional way.
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