South Tyneside drink driver had alcohol in car cup holder

Paul Hague, 30, was pulled over after officers saw his vehicle being driving at speed towards the centre of South Shields, the town’s magistrates’ court heard.

At South Tyneside Magistrates Court, Paul Anderson, prosecuting, said: “It was about 9.30pm when the traffic patrol saw the Fiat Doblo van.

“It was being driven at high speed and there was a pursuit. The patrol stopped the van in Commercial Road, South Shields.

“Police saw there was a part-consumed can of Magnier’s cider in the vehicle’s cupholder.

“More cans, unopened, were on the passenger’s seat.”

The court heard Hague was arrested and found to be twice the legal limit for driving.

Hague, of Springwood, Hebburn, admitted driving with excess alcohol on October 18.

Paul Kennedy, defending, said: “While this is a serious offence, Mr Hague recently appeared before another court for more serious offences of a similar nature.

“That offending has been sent to the crown court to be dealt with. It would make sense to deal with this offence after the conclusion of those proceedings.

“Clearly, Mr Hague has some problems and would benefit from the input of the probation service.”

The bench adjourned passing sentence until December 16 for the preparation of a probation report.

Hague was disqualified immediately from driving.

The length of the ban will be decided when he is sentenced.