A motorcyclist who showed 'obvious signs of intoxication' when he was stopped in a Walsall street has narrowly avoided a driving ban. Police saw Stephen Davies pushing a Yamaha motorbike - which they initially believed had been stolen - in Victoria Avenue, Bloxwich.
Checks revealed the bike was not stolen, but after speaking to Davies, officers noticed he was 'unsteady on his feet'. The incident took place on July 19, and Davies later pleaded guilty to being in charge of a motor vehicle while above the alcohol level limit.
Court hears of 'full and frank admissions'
Savithru Wijeratne, prosecuting, told Dudley Magistrates' Court that Davies showed 'obvious signs of intoxication' and had provided a positive roadside sample. Mr Wijeratne said Davies had made 'full and frank admissions that he had consumed alcohol', adding: "He said the reason he was pushing the motorbike was that he had been in a collision."
The hearing on August 27 heard that Davies had 79 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath, against the legal limit of 35 microgrammes.
Magistrate cites remorse and good character
Davies, who represented himself, told magistrates he had since stopped drinking alcohol. He said his 30-year marriage had come to an end and his divorce was 'coming through' at the time, although he was 'not using that as an excuse', adding: "What I have done is what I have done."
Magistrate Jane Goode told 46-year-old Davies: "We have heard what you have said and the remorse you have shown. You are of previous good character and have no points on your licence. We are not going to ban you, but we are giving you 10 penalty points. If you speed, or anything else, it's likely you will be banned."
Fine and costs imposed
Davies, of Penn Road, Wolverhampton, was fined £623 and ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £249 and £85 court costs. The penalty points mean any further motoring offence could lead to a disqualification.
