A man caught drink driving in Cumbria has been banned from driving after he appeared in court by video link on his birthday.
Prosecuting, Pam Ward told Carlisle magistrates that an HGV driver contacted police, concerned by the manner in which a Sprinter van was being driven. “It appeared to be swerving across all three lanes,” she said.
Following the report, a mobile patrol officer stationed himself at a roundabout where he saw the HGV driver flashing his lights to draw attention to the van in question. Observing the vehicle, the officer saw it swerve from the outside lane to the hard shoulder and then back again before the driver “suddenly braked and slowed down.
Once police stopped the driver, “he appeared to be under the influence of alcohol,” said Mrs Ward. “He was slurring his words and appeared to be vacant.”
After testing positive for alcohol in a roadside breath test, further analysis found the defendant to have 87mcg alcohol per 100ml breath. The legal limit for drink driving is 35mcg.
Appearing remotely via video link, the defendant told the court he had been driving for work at the time and that hours earlier a colleague had dropped him off and he had consumed ” a glass and a bit” of wine with food before starting his journey. Before resuming his journey, he believed the food would have absorbed the alcohol in the elapsed time. “It is my stupid fault and I am guilty of such a stupid offence”, he added.
Magistrates banned him from driving for 22 months and bound him under a 12-month community order with 50 hours of unpaid work. He must also pay £180 in costs and charges. His disqualification may be reduced by 22 weeks on completion of the drink driving rehabilitation course.
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.
