A Carlisle drink-driver involved in a crash as he went to buy cigarettes has been banned from the road for more than two years.
Police were alerted to a road traffic collision on the city’s Newtown Road at 10.30pm on June 4. They saw two vehicles were involved. A man was lying in the floor next to one vehicle. Another was 30 metres away and had its hazard lights flashing.
It was believed one of the drivers, Michael Vear, 50, might have been drinking.
Vear confirmed that had been the case. He was arrested and taken into custody. His speech was slurred, Carlisle Magistrates’ Court was told by prosecutor Pam Ward, who added: “He wobbled as he walked and he smelled of alcohol.”
The lower of two evidential readings showed 117 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath — more than three times the legal limit of 35mcg. Vear admitted drink-driving and the court heard he had a conviction for a similar offence dating back to 2009.
He was said by his solicitor, Anthony Wilson, to be very apologetic and to have co-operated fully with police at the scene.
Vear — who worked in the motor trade and was well thought of by his employer — accepted he was to blame for the crash.
“His fault. He was full of drink at the time,” accepted Mr Wilson. “He does realise he has got an issue (with alcohol) and he is taking steps to address that issue.”
A probation officer told the court Vear was going for cigarettes at the time of the crash. He was deeply remorseful and had been teetotal since. The incident had been a catalyst for him to face up to problems.
Magistrates fined Vear, of Blencowe Street, Carlisle, £800. He was ordered to serve a 28-month driving ban although this will be reduced by 28 weeks if he successfully completes a rehabilitation course he was offered.
