A 48-year-old man has appeared before Carlisle magistrates after turning up to work at more than four times the legal drink driving limit.
Prosecuting, Pam Ward told the court that two police officers attended a factory at around 9am on May 6.
“They were made aware of an ongoing incident near to their location,” said Ms Ward.
“Staff at a nearby factory had caught a member of staff being drunk whilst at work.”
The factory had its own internal alcohol testing procedure and the defendant gave a positive sample, after which “Police were greeted by staff at the gate.”
“They were told the defendant was in a security booth. He smelled of drink and failed their own alcohol test.”
Witnesses said they had seen the man drink driving his vehicle, which was confirmed by CCTV which showed him parking his car before walking to the front entrance of the factory.
Subsequent analysis found the man to have 141mcg alcohol per 100ml breath. The legal limit for drink driving is 35mcg.
Representing himself, the defendant addressed the court saying: “I am not a drinker, not really. I live on my own. I lost my younger brother and I am getting divorced from my wife.
“My wife has moved to Carlisle. I don’t really get to see my son. The only time I will take a drink is when I get down, if you know what I mean?”
He added regarding his inevitable driving ban: “I will just take it on the chin.”
Lead magistrate Mark Travers told him: “This is a really serious offence; a high level of alcohol in your system and driving,” but added: “We also heard there is a good deal of remorse for this offence.”
After hearing a guilty plea to drink driving, and taking into account a report from the probation service, magistrates bound him under a 12-month community order with 200 hours of unpaid work and ordered him to pay £85 costs and a £95 victim surcharge. He was also banned from driving for 30 months which may be reduced by 30 weeks on 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.
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