Car is dumped in rush to get hands on a pint
A DRIVER in a rush to get to the pub abandoned their vehicle at a busy South Derbyshire junction.
In a busy weekend for police in the Melbourne Safer Neighbourhood Team, officers had to track down the offending motorist, who clearly could not wait for a pint in the beer garden.
The driver was found and handed a Section 59 warning notice under the Police Reform Act (2002), which is a warning issued to people causing “alarm, distress or annoyance to the local community”.
As the night went on and drinkers had one too many, officers revealed they found themselves being ranted at, with boozers demanding a lift home.
Some even told officers they had ruined their night by refusing to drop them off at their front doors.
A spokesman for the team, which is part of Derbyshire police, said: “It has been heartening to observe the vast majority of our taverns and hostelries have provided a warm welcome to their guests, as well as ensuring all current guidance is respected.
“However, for some people the prospect of the opening of the beer garden proved to be a temptation too far.
“As soon as day melted into night, officers noticed an abandoned vehicle causing an obstruction in the highway.
“After some investigation it became clear that in a desire to access a newly opened pub the driver had forgotten that it is always sensible to park your car in an appropriate location or designated space, rather than across a busy junction.
“The driver was found and issued with a Section 59 warning notice under the Police Reform Act (2002).
“The legislation enables police to give people a warning if they are causing alarm, distress or annoyance to the local community. Police have the power to confiscate the vehicle if a further offence is committed over the next 12 months.”
Derbyshire police have been asked for the exact location of the pub and where the car was abandoned.
The spokesman said: “Later in the evening officers attended reports of excessive noise coming from another venue. Officers arrived on the scene to find the noise levels were perfectly adequate but unfortunately there was an excess in attitude from in-drink customers. Quite rightly, the licensee asked these imprudent people to disperse from the premises.
“Please remember that the influence of alcohol can impact on one’s visual perception. It is never a good idea when leaving a pub, to hurl abuse at officers demanding they transform their marked police car into a makeshift taxi.
“Your childish, persistent rants that officers give you a lift home because the nearest taxi was over an hour away to collect you, combined with accusations of “You’ve ruined my night” proves the beer goggles descriptor remains as relevant as it ever has been.”