New South Shields driver found drunk and unresponsive in his car
A rookie South Tyneside driver found drunk and unresponsive in his car has been handed a short ban as a lesson about his future motoring behaviour.
Joseph Graham, 20, of Lake Shore Road, Marsden, South Shields, was disqualified for 56 days – escaping the maximum possible of six months.
The shopfitter was asleep when police came across his Vauxhall Corsa by the side of Valley Lane, also Marsden, at around 8.30am on Sunday, January 25.
He was so boozy he was only woken by the sound of an officer tapping his truncheon on the window, prosecutor Jade Houston told South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court.
A breath test at the roadside revealed he was over twice the alcohol limit, a reading confirmed at a police station after his arrest.
Despite having his lights and engine on, Graham was not seen driving and so was charged with the lesser offence of being in charge of a vehicle while over the alcohol limit.
Ms Houston said: “Officers attended upon a report of an unresponsive male in a vehicle.
“He was in the driver’s seat and the lights were on and the engine was running.
“The officer knocked on the window but there was no response and so he had to use his baton on the window.
“He could immediately smell alcohol. The defendant failed a roadside breath test and was taken into custody.”
Graham, who has no previous convictions, pleaded guilty to being in charge of a vehicle while above the alcohol level.
He gave a reading in breath for alcohol of 84mcg. The legal limit is 35mcg.
Alastair Naismith, defending, did not explain to the court how Graham came to be at the wheel but asked District Judge Zoe Passfield to hand him penalty points and not a ban.
Mr Naismith told her: “He works as a shopfitter and won’t lose his job if you disqualify but it will make it more difficult for him.
“He’s a young man who is starting out in his profession. He accepts that he’s made a silly mistake and has entered a guilty plea at the first opportunity.
“He cooperated with the police at the roadside and at the station. I would ask that you impose 10 penalty points rather than a short disqualification.”
But Judge Passfield told Graham: “I give you full credit for your guilty plea and I note that you’ve no previous convictions, but you’ve had your driving licence for a relatively short period of time and you’re already before the court for this offence.
“I’ve given serious consideration whether to impose points on your licence or a disqualification.
“Because of your high reading and because you’ve had your licence for a short period of time, it’s a 56 day disqualification.
“You’re going to have a couple of months where it’s going to be difficult going to and from work.
“Hopefully, it will be a reminder not to commit this kind of offence in the future.”
Graham was also fined £307 and must pay a £123 victim surcharge and £85 court costs.
Support your Shields Gazette and become a subscriber today. Enjoy unlimited access to local news, the latest football stories and new puzzles every day.
With a digital subscription, you can see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content.