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Newton Aycliffe driver stopped on way home after call made to police
Magistrates were told that Jack Hutchinson and his partner had been out in Newcastle and had no intention of consuming alcohol.
But, returning home to Newton Aycliffe, “hit traffic”, so they pulled into a pub intending to have only a single drink to allow the congestion to clear.
Elizabeth Aisbitt, representing Hutchinson, told the court in Peterlee that the defendant saw some of his friends while in the pub and drank more than he intended before trying to drive the rest of the way home.
“Had he been sober, he would have thought about it and booked a taxi,” said Miss Aisbitt.
The court heard police received a call indicating a potentially intoxicated male driving and officers located the defendant’s vehicle travelling on Shafto Way, Newton Aycliffe.
He was pulled over and intoxicating liquor was smelled on his breath, while his eyes appeared glazed and his speech was slurred.
Hutchinson failed a roadside breathalyser and so he was arrested.
When he gave two further samples at the police station the lowest reading showed the presence of more than double the limit for alcohol to be permitted to drive.
The 31-year-old defendant of Silkin Way, Newton Aycliffe, admitted driving with excess alcohol.
Miss Aisbitt told the hearing: “He’s in full-time employment and will, fortunately, be able to continue that employment, but he’s bought a bike to enable him to get to work for his different shifts.
Magistrates’ chairman William Unsworth told the defendant: “It was a silly thing to do, wasn’t it?”
Hutchinson agreed, replying: “Yes, very silly.”
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The magistrates banned him from driving for 17 months and issued a £400 fine.
Hutchinson was also ordered to pay £160 statutory court surcharge and £85 costs.
He was told that if he completes a drink drive rehabilitation course by December 26 this year, he can reduce the length of the ban by 17 weeks.
