A man who was four times the limit for drink driving and had to be boxed in by other motorists to prevent further accidents has avoided jail.
Worcester magistrates heard that at around 2pm on March 31, police received reports of a poorly-driven white Ford Transit van on the M5 and M42.
Prosecuting, Owen Beale said that the defendant hit cones in the carriageway before clipping the wing mirror off another vehicle.
Between Junction 7 and 8, he said: “Members of the public were so concerned they forced his vehicle to stop on the hard shoulder before police arrested him.
“It is clear there was an unacceptable standard of driving.”
Following his arrest, an evidential sample found the man to have 121mcg alcohol per 100ml breath – nearly four times the legal drink driving limit of 35mcg.
Mr Beale noted that the aggravating features of the incident put the offence in the top tier of sentencing guidelines, including a possible jail term.
Mitigating, Paul Stanley said his client – who was a highway maintenance worker – had a “bad day” and made a “momentous mistake” having been told while at work that his relationship had come to an end.
“That was the catalyst”, he added.
“His whole world was turned upside down.
“His concern first and foremost is about his liberty.”
Mr Stanley added that the man had no previous convictions and would lose his job due to the inevitable driving ban.
Chairman of the bench Kevin Lloyd-Wright said that the nature of the offending was so serious that only a custodial sentence could be justified.
“You had to be brought to a stop by members of the public, so worried were they,” he said.
“You are now coming to realise what a stupid, very serious mistake you made.”
After pleading guilty to drink driving, the man was sentenced to 10 weeks in jail, suspended for twelve months. He must also complete 80 hours of unpaid work, and pay a £154 victim surcharge and £135 court costs. His ban may be reduced upon completion of the drink drivers’ 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.
