‘I CAN’T BELIEVE I PUT MY BABY IN DANGER’
Dad’s remorse after being caught twice drink-drive limit
A YOUNG dad was caught drink driving with a baby in his car after he was spotted arguing with his girlfriend in a lay-by on his way home from seeing Matlock Illuminations.
Jamie Morris, of Orme Road, Newcastle, had spent the evening at the illuminations with his partner and seven-month-old baby. The court heard Morris drank some German Pilsner beer, his first drink for several months, while at the event.
The 24-year-old, who drank on an empty stomach, then decided to drive back to his partner’s address, but the couple were seen arguing in a lay-by by passers-by near Belper late in the evening of October 16. Police attended in connection to the argument and, after smelling alcohol, asked Morris to perform a roadside breath test.
He recorded a reading of 70 microgrammes of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath, double the legal limit of 35mg, but fully admitted his offence in a later police interview and said the alcohol ‘went straight to his head’, according to a prosecutor. Appearing at North East Derbyshire and Dales Magistrates Court wearing a blue hoody and jeans, Morris pleaded guilty to one count of drink-driving.
Representing himself, Morris said: “I regret it, and I can’t believe I put my baby in danger.”
Morris also handed a selfwritten letter to the judge, dated Sunday, November 6. Summarising the letter to the court, District Judge Andrew Davison said: “This shows genuine remorse, and he regrets and is remorseful for it. He understands the consequences of his actions and what it could have led to.
“He apologises to the police, the court and his family for his actions that night. He accepts it was poor judgement... and considering his age, there is no excuse for his behaviour. This was the first time he had drunk in 12 months and he had an empty stomach. He is very grateful to his family and employer for standing by him. He feels ashamed for his actions and feels very anxious.
“It is one of the best letters I have ever seen, especially by someone who is unrepresented, so thank you for the time and effort you have put into that.”
Morris was fined £500 plus a £200 victim surcharge and £85 costs. He was disqualified for 18 months, but this will be reduced by four-and-a-half months if he completes a drink-driving awareness programme.