Disqualified Drunk Driver Jailed Within 24 Hours After Police Stop in Stoke-on-Trent
A disqualified driver from the Midlands has been sentenced to jail less than a day after being stopped by police for operating a vehicle while intoxicated and without valid insurance. The swift legal action highlights the serious consequences of such dangerous behavior on public roads.
Police Intervention on Waterloo Road
Staffordshire Police's dedicated road crime team intercepted a black Vauxhall on Waterloo Road in Stoke-on-Trent at approximately 11:50 PM on February 20. Upon conducting routine checks, officers discovered that the driver, 34-year-old Tommy Strachen from Shelton, Stoke-on-Trent, was not only disqualified from driving but also lacked any form of insurance coverage for the vehicle.
Further investigation revealed that Strachen was under the influence of alcohol, as a breathalyzer test confirmed he was over the legal limit. This compounded the severity of his offenses, demonstrating a blatant disregard for road safety regulations.
Rapid Court Proceedings and Sentencing
Strachen was promptly charged and appeared at the North Staffordshire Justice Centre the following day, on Saturday, February 21. In court, he pleaded guilty to three major charges:
- Driving with an alcohol level above the legal limit
- Driving whilst disqualified
- Using a motor vehicle on a road or public place without third-party insurance
The judge handed down a sentence of four months in jail. Additionally, Strachen was disqualified from driving for an extended period of five years and two months, emphasizing the court's zero-tolerance approach to such reckless conduct.
Police Commentary on the Case
PC Josh Cann, a member of the road crime team, commented on the incident, stating, "Strachen showed no regard for other road users when he got into a car whilst drunk, disqualified, and with no insurance." He added, "Despite Strachen trying to hide the fact that he was disqualified from us, we secured evidence against him which led to him being charged and jailed the next day."
This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of adhering to driving laws and the swift justice that can follow violations. The police's efficient work ensured that a dangerous driver was removed from the roads promptly, protecting the community from potential harm.
