Phillemon Tsagwa, a 37-year-old business development manager from Coplow Street, Birmingham, pleaded guilty to drink driving after crashing his red Jaguar while more than three times over the legal limit. The incident occurred on February 27, prompting a 999 call from a member of the public who witnessed the collision and provided CCTV footage and photos to police.
Collision and arrest
Officers tracked Tsagwa to his home, where he was found with the keys to the Jaguar. He was arrested and taken into custody, where a breath test showed 115 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath—more than three times the legal limit of 35 micrograms. The court heard that the offence was aggravated by the collision, his bad driving, and the fact that he was already disqualified from driving at the time.
Court appearance and remorse
Appearing at Birmingham Magistrates' Court on June 23, Tsagwa submitted a letter read by his solicitor, Ms Begum. In it, he said: "I regret my decision to drive, especially while disqualified. I understand I could have caused serious harm to myself or others. I have three young children, I'm aware my behaviour has let them down and my job as their role model is at risk. I'm committed to make positive changes in my life and to ensure I don't end up in this situation again."
Steps toward rehabilitation
Ms Begum told the court that Tsagwa has started attending Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings and acknowledged he needs help with alcohol. She said: "He has pleaded guilty at the first opportunity. He's currently employed as a business development manager. He has an extremely young family and currently working from home. He has stated he clearly acknowledges he needs help with alcohol. He has started taking steps, he got in contact with AA and attended a meeting, and is now waiting for the next one. He has realised that it's important to him to get hold of the situation of drink driving."
Prosecution details
The prosecutor explained that the collision occurred after Tsagwa failed to stop following a face-to-face conversation with the other driver. Officers attended and saw damage to both vehicles. The court was told Tsagwa was "considerably over the limit" and that his young children would suffer if the court order is activated. The case was adjourned for a pre-sentence report until September 4. Tsagwa was released on unconditional bail, and his driving ban remains in place.
