Jarrow man caught drink driving for third time is given 12 month ban
“The breath test device wasn’t working so they took bloods. He says he had one drink.”
A repeat South Tyneside drink driver is starting a year-long road ban after being caught at the wheel with booze in his system for a third time.
Joseph Pratt, 58, claimed he had consumed just one alcoholic drink before being pulled over in High Back Close, Jarrow, on Thursday, June 4.
Pratt, of Marlborough Court, also Jarrow, gave a roadside reading of over twice the limit, leading to his arrest, borough magistrates heard.
But his level had dropped by the time an evidential blood sample was taken at a police station.
He pleaded guilty to a drink drive charge and the court heard he has two same convictions, the last at least a decade ago.
Prosecutor Carlie McArdle said: “Officers had cause to stop a black Astra, which came to a compliant stop, and they spoke to the defendant who was driving.
“They could smell intoxicating liquor. He gave false details and said he was called ‘Paul’. He gave a breath test reading of 83mcg.
“Officers attempted to conduct the breath test procedure, but it came back as mouth alcohol, so bloods were drawn.”
Pratt gave an evidential reading in blood for alcohol of 128mg, against a legal limit of 80mg
Ian Cassidy, defending, said Pratt had appeared before the same court in August in relation to other offences stemming from the same incident.
For those, he was given a six-month driving ban under totting and made subject to a suspended sentence for a knife possession matter.
Mr Cassidy said it was unfair Pratt would potentially be punished twice, simply because it took longer for his blood sample result to be returned.
He added: “I think the only thing he doesn’t accept is that he gave a false name – he says he certainly didn’t.
“The breath test device wasn’t working so they took bloods. He says he had one drink. It’s in the lowest tier, with a ban of between 12 and 16 months.
“Had this been before the court then, it would all have been dealt with and he would have got a minimum 12-month ban which he would be well into.”
Magistrates also fined Pratt £120 and ordered him to pay a £44 victim surcharge. There were no court costs.