An M6 motorist found unconscious inside his crashed pickup near Penrith who was four times the legal drink-drive limit has been sent to prison.
James Black’s criminal conduct came to light just after 9am on August 18 last year. Police received reports of a Ford Ranger travelling north between junctions 39 and 40.
Prosecutor George Shelley told Carlisle Magistrates’ Court: “There were several calls reporting a vehicle all over the road, colliding with traffic cones.”
Officers attended. “They found the vehicle had crashed through traffic cones on to a grass embankment at the side of the road,” said Mr Shelley. “On approach (to the scene) police have passed three separate collision sites, with debris over three lanes of the carriageway, causing danger to road users.
Black, aged 47, was in the driver’s seat. He was unconscious but breathing.
“Several empty alcohol bottles and cans were found within the vehicle. An ambulance arrived. Mr Black was roused and has been able to provide a (breath) reading,” said Mr Shelley.
Black was transported to hospital and gave a blood sample which showed 320 milligrams of alcohol in 100 millilitres of blood. The legal limit is 80mlg. He pleaded guilty to driving with excess alcohol, and was sentenced this morning (fri).
Magistrates considered a wealth of background information, and heard Black was addressing alcohol issues by regularly attending a clinic since October.
“He must stop drinking entirely,” revealed his solicitor, Ashley Barnes. “It is perhaps this offence that has opened his eyes entirely to that.
“This could well be the rock bottom that some people have to hit,” added the lawyer. “He has insight. He clearly has remorse.”
Black, of Brannock Place, Newarthill, near Motherwell, was given an immediate 12-week prison sentence by magistrates. He must serve a 34-month driving ban when released.
