Drink-driver admits he was ‘stupid’ to get behind wheel on way home from airport
HE TOLD COURT HE FELT OKAY, BUT WAS OVER TWICE THE ALCOHOL LIMIT News
AN alcoholic was found to be more than twice the drink-drive limit having arrived home from a flight from Malta.
Andrew Bullock told Southern Derbyshire Magistrates’ Court how he “felt okay” to drive and was “just a bit tired” when he defended himself.
The 55-year-old told his sentencing hearing he was “drinking a lot at the time” and that having a six-month alcohol treatment programme, as part of his treatment, concerned him.
Speaking of his alcoholism, the defendant said: “It’s an illness. It’s a serious, serious, illness.
“I have done four lots of rehabilitation, it’s an illness that will be there forever, I’m afraid.”
Peter Bettany, prosecuting, said the offence took place in Marston Lane, Doveridge, on May 29, this year.
He said at around 11am, a police officer pulled over a car being driven by Bullock as it was suspected he may have been drinking.
Mr Bettany said: “He went to speak to Mr Bullock, there was a strong smell of drink and he had bloodshot eyes.
“He blew a positive breath test at the roadside and then another at the police station.”
Bullock, of Hawthorn Close, Doveridge, blew a reading of 92 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath when the legal limit is 35.
His hearing was told how he has no previous drink-driving convictions. Asked what he had to say about the offence, the defendant replied: “I am full of remorse, it was so stupid. I got a flight back that night from Malta and I felt okay, I was just tired.
“I was drinking a lot at the time but since then I have not driven.
“I have got some serious health conditions. I have jaundice and I am really, really struggling to walk.
“I have the occasional bad day, I am having a bad day today, I accept everything I did and it was wrong.” Magistrate Maggie Tate handed Bullock a 12-month community order which includes the alcohol treatment programme and 10 rehabilitation sessions with the probation service.
She also disqualified him from driving for three years and ordered him to pay £85 costs and an £85 victim surcharge.
I am full of remorse, it was so stupid. I accept everything I did and it was wrong.
Andrew Bullock