Tyler Newbold, 22, of Hollemeadow Avenue, Walsall, has been disqualified from driving for 12 months after pleading guilty to driving a motor vehicle with an alcohol level above the legal limit. The case was heard at Dudley Magistrates' Court on August 27.
The incident occurred on July 18, just after midnight, when police were called to Bosty Lane, Aldridge, near the junction with Red House Lane. Officers found Newbold standing by a Ford Fiesta that had hit a tree. He identified himself as the driver.
Admissions and Breath Test
Prosecutor Savithru Wijeratne told the court that Newbold made 'full and frank admissions that he'd consumed two bottles of beer' and stated the 'vehicle had brake issues'. A positive roadside breath test led to his arrest.
At the police station, a further test revealed Newbold had 50 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath. The legal limit is 35 microgrammes.
Court Hearing and Mitigation
Newbold, who represented himself during the hearing, said he had never driven under the influence before. He described being in a 'downward spiral' following a relationship break-up and said he 'wasn't in the right mindset' when he agreed to give his sister's friend a lift home.
"I wasn't in the right mindset at all due to everything going on in my life," he told magistrates.
Sentence and Consequences
Magistrate Jane Goode acknowledged the defendant's circumstances, stating: "We have taken on board everything said in court and the character references given on your behalf, clearly this was just a one-off. However we have no alternative but to ban you, but we will keep it to a minimum."
Newbold was disqualified for 12 months but was offered the chance to complete a course that would reduce the ban by three months if completed before March 26 next year. He was also fined £249 and ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £98 and court costs of £85.
