A wine merchant from Darlington has been banned from the roads for nearly two-and-a-half years after pleading guilty to drink-driving while almost four times the legal limit.
Newton Aycliffe Magistrates Court heard that Darren Shield, who runs the Vesuvio Wine Merchants and Bar, was stopped by police officers on January 22 after they received reports of a Volkswagen being driven around Darlington town centre.
Prosecuting, Ann Barker said: “Police were made aware of a vehicle being driven around Darlington town centre with a male driver who appeared to be under the influence of alcohol.
“When the officers stopped the grey Polo, the defendant appeared to be intoxicated – his words were slurred and his eyes were glazed.
“The police officer stated he could smell intoxicating liquor on his breath.”
Following a breathalyser test, Shield was found to have 135mcg alcohol per 100ml breath, where the legal limit is 35mcg.
A report from the probation service explained: “He stated he could not recall how much alcohol he had to drink that night and he remembers he was at one bar and drank four vodkas.
“He said that evening he had been stressed about his impending wedding and the stress of his business.
“He’s very ashamed and is disgusted at his behaviour.
The probation officer went on to say: “He has had his own business for the last seven years which is a wine bar and a shop and he works alongside his brother.
“I believe there’s a low likelihood of him offending.”
John Clish, mitigating, said that his client had not asked him to “reel out excuses”, and he accepted that driving in that state was a “foolish act”.
Shield was disqualified for two years and five months and bound under a 12-month community order with 100 hours unpaid work. He was also ordered to pay £85 costs and a £85 victim surcharge.
The chairman of the bench addressed Shield, telling him “Drink-driving is a very, very serious offence, and the level you’ve been driving at is an outrageous level.
“You could have killed yourself or killed anybody else – it’s just unbelievable that you’ve drunk to that level and got into a car and drove.”
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.
