A Staffordshire man has been banned from driving for 17 months and lost his employment following a drink-drive conviction, in a case that underlines just how far-reaching the consequences of a single poor decision behind the wheel can be.
What happened
Richard Ibbs, aged 42, of Athena Road, Birches Head, Stoke-on-Trent, was arrested on 12 March after police attended his home address and detected the smell of alcohol on his breath when he returned to the property.
Prosecutor Alisha Collins, addressing North Staffordshire Justice Centre, told the court: “He admitted he had been drinking. They arrested him. He fully complied with the breath test procedure. His lower reading was 73 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath, against the legal limit of 35.”
Mr Ibbs pleaded guilty to drink-driving.
The mitigating circumstances
Speaking in mitigation, defence solicitor Mike Kimberley told the court that Mr Ibbs had no previous convictions and had only driven a short distance. He explained: “He got in the car and drove a short distance. Unknown to him, his wife had phoned the police and a police car was in attendance. He returned and parked on the drive.”
Mr Kimberley noted that his client is married with two children and has since lost his job as a direct result of the conviction.
The sentence
Magistrates fined Mr Ibbs £120, with £85 costs and a £48 victim surcharge. His 17-month disqualification may be reduced by 17 weeks if he successfully completes the drink-drive rehabilitation course.
The wider consequences of drink-driving
This case is a reminder that the consequences of a drink-drive conviction extend well beyond the courtroom. A mandatory driving disqualification, a criminal record, and in many cases the loss of employment are all potential outcomes, even for a first-time offender.
The legal limit in England and Wales is 35 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath. Mr Ibbs recorded a reading of 73 micrograms, more than double the permitted level. At this level, the risks to other road users are significant, and the courts treat such cases seriously.
For those who rely on a driving licence as part of their employment, a conviction of this nature can have immediate and lasting effects on their livelihoods and their families.
Facing a drink-drive charge?
If you or someone you know is facing a drink-drive charge or any other motoring offence, it is important to seek legal advice without delay. The outcome of your case can be affected significantly by the quality of representation and advice you receive from the outset.
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.
Getting in contact with Carl and Millars Solicitors is really easy. You can call him FREE on 0800 999 5535, or click here to send a confidential message.
