Bereaved Shirebrook motorist is caught drink-driving by the police

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A grieving drink-driver who has suffered three family bereavements in a short period was caught by police drink-driving.

Chesterfield magistrates’ court heard on October 29 how David Collins, 74, of Hillsway, Shirebrook, was followed by police from Main Street, in Shirebrook, to his home where he gave a positive roadside drink-drive test result.

Prosecuting solicitor Becky Allsop said: “Police saw Mr Collins driving his vehicle on Main Street, in Shirebrrook, on October 15, and he was followed to his home address.”

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Mrs Allsop told the court that Collins gave a positive roadside, drink-drive reading and later registered 49 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath when the legal limit is 35 microgrammes.

Drink-driving breathalyser.Drink-driving breathalyser.
Drink-driving breathalyser.

Collins, who has a previous conviction for a similar offence, pleaded guilty to exceeding the alcohol drink-drive limit.

Defence solicitor Ben Strelley said Collins does not have any issues with alcohol but he has recently suffered the loss of his brother, sister-in-law and his son.

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Mr Strelley added: “He does not use this as an excuse but his thought process has not been as good as it should be.

“He does have a supportive family and partner and the right steps are being taken in the family to support each other.”

District Judge Andrew Davison expressed sympathy Collins’s bereavements but warned that a further drink-drive offence could result in custody regardless of the defendant’s age.

Collins was fined £340 and ordered to pay a £34 victim surcharge and £85 costs.

He was also disqualified from driving for 40 months but this could be reduced to 30 months if the defendant completes a drink-drive rehabilitation course.

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