Drink driver hit brick wall before passer-by took his car keys and called the police

CARE WORKER BANNED FOR 25 MONTHS

AN intoxicated Audi driver smashed into a brick wall after travelling to the North East to visit friends.

Mayank Tyagi was seen behind the wheel of an Audi VRM in Heaton, Newcastle, but caused concern to a member of the public due to his inebriated state.

The 26-year-old, who had travelled from Lincolnshire, was then seen to reverse into a brick wall before police were called.

When officers turned up and breath tested him, he gave a reading of 103 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath. The legal limit is 35.

Tyagi, of Beach Avenue, Spalding, appeared at Newcastle Magistrates’ Court facing a charge of drink-driving. He pleaded guilty to the offence, which happened on April 13 this year.

The court was told that a member of the public saw Tyagi driving the Audi on Cochrane Park Avenue.

Brian Payne, prosecuting, said: “She heard the vehicle pass a property with an obvious flat tyre and watched as it came to a stop. [Tyagi] got out and it was clear straight away he was intoxicated.

“He got back in the vehicle and drove to the end of the street and reversed into a brick wall. The member of the public called police and went and removed the keys from the vehicle.”

Tyagi, who had no previous convictions, then failed a breath test before being taken to a police station. He gave a no comment interview.

Andrew O’hanlon, defending, said Tyagi works in the care sector and is required to drive to people’s homes. He said: “He thinks he is going to lose his employment. He came to Newcastle to visit friends and is not used to drinking.

“He lost his head. He had gone to Sainsbury’s to pick up ingredients [before his arrest].” Mr O’hanlon added that Tyagi is “extremely worried about what he’s done” and is going to sell his Audi.

Tyagi was fined £640 and banned from driving for 25 months, which could be reduced by 25 weeks if he completes a drink-driver rehabilitation course. He must also pay a £265 victim surcharge and £85 costs.