Three-time limit drink-driver '˜veered into centre of road'

A motorist who was pulled over by police concerned about his driving, was found to be more than three times the legal alcohol limit.
High Peak Magistrates Court, Buxton.High Peak Magistrates Court, Buxton.
High Peak Magistrates Court, Buxton.

High Peak Magistrates’ Court heard how attention had been drawn to Simon Dorling, 38, as he drove along the A624 Glossop Road at Hayfield, as his vehicle was travelling so slowly.

John Cooper, prosecuting, said officers followed the vehicle, a Saab 93, as it began to go even slower, before veering into the centre of the road.

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When spoken to by police, Dorling admitted he had had a couple of drinks. At the police station he provided a reading of 111 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath, the legal limit is 35.

Karina Lyon, defending, said: “What the defendant states is that he made a stupid decision, one that is going to cost him significantly.

“He had finished work on the day in question. He stayed at the local pub longer than expected and drank more than expected and made the stupid decision to drive.”

She said the driving ban imposed for the offence would make it difficult for Dorling to commute to his place of work, an IT company in Chesterfield.

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The court was told Dorling admitted to drinking six to eight pints before deciding to drive about a mile home. Ms Lyon said the alcohol reading was high, but urged magistrates to impose a community order rather than a custodial sentence.

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“The defendant is extremely ashamed and understands the potential impact of his actions,” said Ms Lyon.

Presiding magistrate Robert Watmough told Dorling it was probably only through good luck that no-one was hurt.

Dorling, of Primrose Vale, Little Hayfield, was given a 12-month community order with a rehabilitation activity requirement and a three-month curfew between the hours of 8pm and 5.30am.

He was banned from driving for 26 months and must also pay £85 prosecution costs and an £85 government surcharge.