Muhammad Asghar, a 52-year-old father of four from Walsall, has been fined and handed penalty points after he was found in his car with the engine running while over the alcohol limit. The incident occurred on Wellington Street, Walsall, at around 11pm on June 23, following a report of suspected drink driving.
Officers discovered Asghar in the driver's seat of a black Vauxhall Corsa with the keys in the ignition and the engine running. At Dudley Magistrates' Court, it was heard that officers could smell alcohol on him, and when questioned, Asghar confirmed he had drunk one beer but said he had not been driving.
Court Hearing and Guilty Plea
During the court hearing on July 30, Asghar pleaded guilty to being in charge of a motor vehicle while above the legal alcohol limit. A roadside test indicated he was over the limit, and an evidential test in custody showed he had 66 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath, compared to the legal limit of 35 microgrammes.
Zafar Rashid, defending, said: "He has never been in this position before. This is a learning curve for him. Once he has consumed alcohol, he should not access a vehicle for any reason. He knows he is the creator of his own misfortune."
Magistrate's Warning
The magistrate told Asghar: "This could have resulted in a far worse situation that it actually is. This is your first offence and you have pleaded guilty at the first opportunity. We are going to go with a fine, but don't think you have got off lightly. Before you step into a vehicle, do not drink - simple as that."
Asghar, of Ida Road, Walsall, was fined £76 and ordered to pay a £30 surcharge and £85 court costs. In addition to the £191 court bill, he also received 10 points on his licence.
