A 23-year-old man has been disqualified from driving for 12 months after police found him asleep at the wheel while over the legal alcohol limit.
Temba Gauti, of West Cliffe Corner, Harrogate, appeared at North Staffordshire Justice Centre following an incident on 12 July at around 3am. Police were called to Victoria Street in Basford, Stoke-on-Trent, after a witness reported seeing a man apparently asleep in his vehicle at a set of traffic lights, with a can of beer visible.
Prosecutor Suzanne Swindail told the court that officers found a blue Mercedes stationary with its brake lights on. Upon approach, police observed Gauti asleep in the driver’s seat and noted two open containers of alcohol in the centre console. After being woken by police, Gauti was asked to provide a breath sample and was subsequently taken into custody.
He gave an evidential breath sample of 51 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath — the legal limit being 35 micrograms.
Gauti pleaded guilty to charges of drink-driving and driving without insurance. Representing himself, he explained that he had made a poor decision following emotional distress after learning of his wife’s infidelity. He had travelled to Stoke-on-Trent to visit a friend and consumed alcohol while waiting for him. He also stated he believed his uncle was in the process of arranging insurance for the vehicle.
District Judge Joseph O’Connor imposed a £375 fine, with £85 in court costs and a £150 victim surcharge. Gauti’s 12-month driving ban may be reduced by three months if he completes a drink-driver rehabilitation programme.
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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