A SOUTH Tyneside dad who got behind the wheel when nearly three times over the drink-drive limit has been banned from the roads for two years.
Magistrates told David Conway he could have killed himself because of “a moment of foolishness and stupidity”.
The 52-year-old, of Lizard Lane, South Shields, was also hit with a fine of more than £900 after pleading guilty to driving while exceeding the alcohol limit.
South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court heard that Conway had been out drinking on February 24 before getting into a taxi to take him home when he received a call that his car had been left in Asda car park, in Boldon.
Anna Metcalfe, defending, said: “He had been with friends and had drank some alcohol and got a taxi.
“He picked up the car to make sure it wasn’t left there overnight.
“He is very remorseful. He is married with two children and has been an operations manager for 10 years. This offence will place him in some difficulty as he travels by car to meet clients.
“This has simply been a foolish mistake. This is his first time before the court and I am sure it will be his last.”
Glenda Beck, prosecuting, said Conway had been stopped by police who spotted a Citroen C3 vehicle driving slowly in front of them.
She said: “He was taken to the police station where a specimen of breath was found to be 104 microgrammes in 100 milliletres of breath, when the legal limit is 35 (microgramemes).”
Chair of the bench, Lorraine Montgomery, said: “We are shocked that a person of your ability has taken such a chance.
“You were one millilitre under being three times over the limit. You could’ve killed yourself.
“You could’ve left your wife a widow and your children without a father because of a moment of foolishness and stupidity. It was a ridiculous and dangerous thing to do.”
Twitter: @shieldsgazchris