Stephen Davies, a motorcyclist from Wolverhampton, has avoided a driving ban after pleading guilty to being in charge of a Yamaha motorbike while over the alcohol limit in Bloxwich. He was stopped by police in Victoria Avenue on July 19 after officers spotted him pushing the bike and noticed he showed obvious signs of intoxication.
Police stop and roadside test
Officers initially suspected the motorbike had been stolen, but checks revealed it was legitimate. When questioned, Davies was unsteady on his feet and provided a positive roadside breath test sample. The prosecution told Dudley Magistrates' Court that Davies made "full and frank admissions that he had consumed alcohol" and explained he was pushing the bike because he had been in a collision.
Davies pleaded guilty to being in charge of a motor vehicle while above the alcohol limit. The court heard he had 79 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath, more than double the legal limit of 35 microgrammes.
Court hearing and personal circumstances
Representing himself, Davies told magistrates his 30-year marriage had ended and his divorce was "coming through" at the time. He said: "What I have done is what I have done." Magistrate Jane Goode noted Davies showed remorse and was of previous good character with no points on his licence.
Goode told him: "We are not going to ban you, but we are giving you 10 penalty points." Davies was fined £623 and ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £249 and £85 in court costs.
Outcome and impact
The decision means Davies will keep his driving licence, but the 10 penalty points will remain on it. The fine, surcharge, and costs total £957, which he must pay as part of the court order. The case highlights the consequences of being in charge of a vehicle while over the legal alcohol limit, even when not riding it.
