TEESSIDE SCAFFOLDER
Well-known member
Driver banned for refusing breath-test
Published on Wednesday 17 October 2012 17:00
A DRIVER who refused to have a breathalyser test after being stopped by police has been banned for the second time.
South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court heard that Wayne Griffiths, 33, of Holland Park Drive, Jarrow, was spotted by police driving a Citroen in Ocean Road, South Shields, with two other men, at 4.30am on Saturday, September 15.
After being flagged down, Griffiths was asked to give a breath test, but refused.
He again declined to be tested when taken to a police station, but gave no medical reason for his refusal.
In court, he admitted failing to provide a specimen of breath, and driving without insurance.
Laura Johnson, defending, said Griffiths had made a “very bad error” after going out for drinks following the break-up of his marriage.
“It was a very bad error of judgement. Shortly before, he had split up with his wife of 11 years. He had found that very difficult.
“He drove out into South Shields town centre and had a couple of drinks.
“He knew he didn’t have insurance. He drove 100 yards before being stopped by police. He did refuse to provide a specimen.”
The magistrates were asked not to consider a community punishment, as Griffiths is recovering from a crushed hand, sustained while working as a scaffolder.
The court heard he is awaiting incapacity benefits while his injury heals.
Griffiths was given credit for his guilty plea, but banned for three years.
The court heard this was his second driving ban in the last 10 years.
He was also fined £110, and ordered to pay £85 costs and a victim surcharge of £15.
Published on Wednesday 17 October 2012 17:00
A DRIVER who refused to have a breathalyser test after being stopped by police has been banned for the second time.
South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court heard that Wayne Griffiths, 33, of Holland Park Drive, Jarrow, was spotted by police driving a Citroen in Ocean Road, South Shields, with two other men, at 4.30am on Saturday, September 15.
After being flagged down, Griffiths was asked to give a breath test, but refused.
He again declined to be tested when taken to a police station, but gave no medical reason for his refusal.
In court, he admitted failing to provide a specimen of breath, and driving without insurance.
Laura Johnson, defending, said Griffiths had made a “very bad error” after going out for drinks following the break-up of his marriage.
“It was a very bad error of judgement. Shortly before, he had split up with his wife of 11 years. He had found that very difficult.
“He drove out into South Shields town centre and had a couple of drinks.
“He knew he didn’t have insurance. He drove 100 yards before being stopped by police. He did refuse to provide a specimen.”
The magistrates were asked not to consider a community punishment, as Griffiths is recovering from a crushed hand, sustained while working as a scaffolder.
The court heard he is awaiting incapacity benefits while his injury heals.
Griffiths was given credit for his guilty plea, but banned for three years.
The court heard this was his second driving ban in the last 10 years.
He was also fined £110, and ordered to pay £85 costs and a victim surcharge of £15.