A self-employed Carlisle roofer has been sentenced for drink-driving by magistrates who heard the fallout from the offence would be dramatic for his family and livelihood.
David Michael Rothery, 39, was stopped by police in the Stanwix area of the city late on December 11 his Ford Transit was tailed from Aglionby Street.
The van was seen to straddle a centre white road line and brake some distance before it approached the Hardwicke Circus roundabout.
When asked by an officer whether he’d consumed any alcohol, Rothery replied: “I’ve had a few.”
He was found to have 77 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath — just over twice the legal limit.
Appearing at Carlisle magistrates’ court today, Rothery admitted driving with excess alcohol.
In mitigation, Chris Toms said the mandatory loss of a driving licence which was essential for the roofing work would have a dramatic effect on Rothery’s job and family life.
Married with four children, Rothery also worked with and sponsored a local children’s football team, the court was told.
After hearing all submissions, magistrates banned Rothery, of Carlton Gardens, Stanwix, Carlisle, from driving for 19 months.
He was offered a drink-drive rehabilitation course which, if completed within a designated period, will reduce the disqualification by 19 weeks.
Rothery was also fined £357, and ordered to pay costs and a mandatory surcharge.
