Drink-drive mates took turns in car after pub

Pair both pick up fines and are banned from road

TWO friends took turns to drive home from a night in the pub even though they were both drunk and significantly over the legal limit.

Wladyslaw Powszenko, 29, and 38-year-old Krzysztof Matysek, were arrested after they crashed into a parked car and failed roadside breath tests.

The pair appeared alongside each other at Leicester Magistrates’ Court to admit drink-driving.

However, neither could explain their actions, saying they had little or no recollection of the night because they had been drinking.

Prosecutor Sukhy Singh told the court the pair were travelling in a Nissan Micra shortly after midnight on Monday, August 17.

Powszenko, who owned the car, drove from the pub to Matysek’s home at the time, in Tewkesbury Street, near Fosse Road North.

But instead of going inside, Matysek took the wheel and the pair carried on until the collision occurred in Vaughan Street, a short distance away.

Witnesses heard the crash and called police. The pair were taken into custody after they both failed roadside breath tests.

In custody, Powszenko, of Loughborough Road, Birstall, gave a reading of 78mg of alcohol per 100ml of breath. The legal limit is 35mg.

Matysek, now of Doctors Lane, Melton, gave a test result of 66mg.

He also pleaded guilty to not having a full driving licence and not being insured to drive.

Mr Singh told the court: “A witness heard a vehicle screeching, followed by a smash. He looked out of his window and saw a Nissan had driven into his car, causing damage to the driver’s side.”

More than one witness called the police and both men were arrested at the scene a short time later, Mr Singh told magistrates.

Neither defendant chose to be represented by a solicitor at their court hearing.

When asked by magistrates to account for their actions, Powszenko said both were drunk that night.

He said: “It was me driving from the pub to Krzysztof’s house. We’re not sure why we swapped.

“We can’t remember what happened.

“I have never been in a police station or a court before. We would like to say we are very sorry for what happened.

“Luckily, nobody was seriously hurt.”

Matysek was banned for 18 months, fined £403 and told to pay prosecution costs of £85 and a victim surcharge of £40. Powszenko was banned for 29 months and fined £633. He was also told to pay prosecution costs of £85 and a victim surcharge of £63.