DAD IS CAUGHT DRINK-DRIVING ON FIRST NIGHT OUT IN 3 YEARS
Motorist lost leg after work accident
DAD-OF-THREE Glyn Oldfield was caught drink-driving at the end of his first night out in three years.
The 38-year-old was seen heading towards oncoming traffic after pulling out of the Octagon Retail Park in Hanley.
Police stopped him and found he was more than twice the legal alcohol limit.
North Staffordshire Justice Centre heard he had a leg amputated last December, after an accident at work.
Prosecutor Emma Thompson said: “In the early hours of the morning, police officers were on duty in Hanley. They noticed this defendant coming from the Octagon Retail Park.
“Their attention was drawn to the vehicle as it had a puncture and a scrape to the door. He turned right onto the wrong side of the carriageway heading towards oncoming traffic.
“Police stopped the defendant to prevent any collision. The defendant was flustered and smelled of alcohol.”
Oldfield, of Rosemary Hill, Newcastle, was taken to police custody. He gave an alcohol reading of 83 micrograms in 100 millilitres of breath. The legal limit is 35. He pleaded guilty to driving while over the alcohol limit.
Stephen Oldham, mitigating, said Oldfield had not intended to drive, but wanted to move the vehicle after discovering it had been vandalised. Mr
Oldham said: “In 2018, he had an accident at work and injured his leg. Eventually, the decision was made that the leg would be amputated. He had started his rehabilitation. He was provided with a Motability car. This night was the first time in three years he had been out for a drink.
“The plan was to stay at his brother’s. On the way back in the taxi he went to check on his car. He found it had been vandalised. He made the incorrect decision to move the car to a safer place. He realises he should not have done this.”
Magistrates said the offence was ‘a very serious matter’. They fined Oldfield £120 and banned him from driving for 18 months. He must also pay £169 in court costs and charges.