Suspected South Shields drink and drugs driver on way to his child gets ban for sample refusal
South Shields suspected drink and drugs driver gets ban for failing to provide a sample - for the fourth time.
A South Tyneside dad who refused to provide a sample for a fourth time when suspected of being under the influence of drink or drugs is starting a four-year roads’ ban.
Kyle Thompson, 40, of Leighton Street, South Shields, got behind the wheel of a Ford Transit van after getting a call from his former partner to see his child.
But he had been boozing and police found him looking the worse for wear at the Esso fuel station at Crossgate, South Shields, after a tip-off, a court heard.
Thompson was searched and cocaine was found in his wallet on Saturday, January 17, leading to his arrest, prosecutor Jade Houston said.
He attempted to undertake a breath test at a police station, but it could not be completed through no fault of his own.
However, the construction and building firm boss then flatly refused to provide a blood sample as an alternative, borough magistrates were told.
Driver had tried the same trick three times before
Thompson had tried the same trick in similar circumstances in 2015, 2019 and 2020, the two last offences making him subject to a minimum three-year ban.
Ms Houston said: “Officers were directed to look for a Ford Transit whose driver was believed to be under the influence.
“They located it at the garage at Crossgate where the defendant was buying beer. He was searched and cocaine was in his wallet.
“His pupils were dilated, and he was unable to follow clear instructions. He was taken to a police station.
“A breath sample was requested but it was unsuccessful and so a sample of blood was requested. Despite repeated warnings, he failed to comply.”
Driver pleads guilty to charges
Thompson pleaded guilty to charges of failing to provide a sample, driving while banned, driving without a licence and possession of a prohibited class A drug.
He has 18 previous convictions from 41 offences and has 20 driving matters on his record.
David Forrester, defending, said Thompson had battled drink and drug issues but had been four years sober and clean until just prior to his latest offences.
Mr Forrester added: “This was right at the end of his disqualification. He has been quite candid with Probation with the difficulties he’s having.
“His record is of someone who has had difficulties with drugs and alcohol. His last court order was in 2022, and it was completed successfully.
“He was clear of drink or drugs, it was four years on the wagon, but last November his relationship broke up, contact with his child ceased and he went back to the bottle.
“On this night, he got a call from her to come and see the child. He’d already had something to drink but couldn’t resist going.
“He did give the breath sample, but it didn’t work, and it all broke down with the request for blood. He is now teetotal.”
Magistrates also imposed a 12-month community order, with 200 hours of unpaid work, and ordered Thompson to pay a £114 victim surcharge and £85 court costs.
He must also sit an extended driving test.