‘I WAS GOING TO GET A TAXI BACK, BUT I TOOK A CHANCE’
Drink-drive builder’s ‘great shame’ after he’s given roads ban
BUILDER Duane Meadowcroft was caught drink-driving after he ‘took a chance’ and drove home from the pub – despite not having a driving licence.
The 59-year-old had been drinking following sports training when he decided to drive the car his wife had dropped him off in, instead of getting a taxi.
But he was seen by police officers who stopped the Range Rover and found he was over the alcohol limit.
He told magistrates at North Staffordshire Justice Centre that he felt ‘great shame’ as he admitted charges of driving while over the alcohol limit and without a licence.
Prosecutor Simon Dykes said: “At 8.50pm on September 30, police officers were on Greenway Bank in Biddulph when they had cause to stop a vehicle being driven by Mr Meadowcroft. They noticed the vehicle was taking corners excessively wide.
“The vehicle was stopped and officers noticed the smell of alcohol on Mr Meadowcroft’s breath. He provided a positive roadside breath test.
“Checks were conducted and it was found the defendant
was driving on a provisional licence.”
Meadowcroft, of Gorsey Bank, Ball Green, was taken to custody where he gave an alcohol reading of 45 micrograms in 100 millilitres of breath. The legal limit is 35. He has no previous convictions.
He was not represented by a solicitor in court, but told magistrates his wife had taken him to training but got a lift home and left the Range Rover.
He said: “I was in the sauna for quite a long time. I went to The Hollybush at Denford and had three pints of bitter shandy.
“I did not think I would be
anywhere near the limit. I now realise the only way forward is not to drink at all when driving.
“My wife drove there. I was going to get a taxi back but I took a chance. It was stupid.
“The biggest thing is the shame of it. I really feel great shame and remorse. I will make sure this will never happen again.”
Meadowcroft must pay a £562 fine and was disqualified from driving for 14 months, which will be reduced if he completes a drink-drive awareness course.
He must also pay a further £177 in costs and charges.