Drink driver slammed into oncoming taxi in South Tyneside smash
South Shields man injured taxi driver after drunken drink-drive crash.
A South Tyneside drink driver who crossed a central reservation and slammed into an oncoming taxi has been banned from the roads.
Christopher Johnson, 38, lost control of his blue MG while over twice the legal limit on Jarrow Road, between Jarrow and Tyne Dock, on Saturday, December 13.
‘Smelled of booze’
Johnson, of Victoria Road, South Shields, who smelled of booze when arrested, left the cabbie injured by his drunken, careless driving, a court heard.
He is now starting a 20-month disqualification after pleading guilty to charges of driving with excess alcohol and driving without due care and attention.
As part of his punishment, Johnson must also stay clear of alcohol for 60 days and complete a 12-month community order.
Prosecutor Mariam Odetoro said: “Police were conducting motor patrols around Newcastle Road when they came across a collision with a motor vehicle belonging to the defendant.
‘Speech was slurred’
“He was in the driver’s seat and the engine was running. He was then unsteady on his feet, he smelled of alcohol and his speech was slurred.
“Due to the careless driving of the defendant, he hit another road user, causing physical injury.
“The other driver was travelling in the opposite direction and the defendant crossed the central reservation and hit the taxi.”
Ms Dotero told South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court that Johnson swore at the roadside in telling officers he did not care about being breath tested.
However, he fully complied at a police station after his arrest and gave a reading for alcohol in breath of 75mcg, against a legal limit of 35mcg.
David Forrester, defending, said: “The case was initially charged as dangerous driving and went to the crown court.
“The crown court took the view that, rightly, it should be careless driving, and it was sent back.
“The offences are aggravated by the fact there was an accident.
“You have the pre-sentence report, and it tells you a bit more about this gentleman and his ADHD.”
Johnson’s community order includes 14 rehabilitation days, and he must pay a £114 victim surcharge and £85 court costs.
Magistrates offered him a place on a ban-reducing drink driver rehabilitation course.