Workman suspended over drinking claims

A NEWCASTLE City Council worker has been suspended after allegedly being caught drunk at the wheel of his street sweeper.

Video footage emerged that appears to show a worker being arrested in Ridley Place, Newcastle city centre, earlier this month.

The worker, who is wearing a hi-vis jacket, can be seen lying on the ground in handfcuffs outside the Toni & Guy hair salon while two men and a police officer surround him.

He is then led away past a street cleaning vehicle.

Newcastle City Council confirmed they had suspended an employee.

A spokesperson said: “A member of staff has been suspended without prejudice following an incident in Ridley Place, Newcastle on Thursday May 11 2017. Police inquiries are continuing into what happened and it would be inappropriate to comment further at this stage.” of The Forum, Denton Burn, has been charged with driving/ attempting to drive a motor vehicle while unfit through alcohol and will appear at Newcastle