Clipstone dad-of-eight vows to tackle boozing after drink driving conviction

Lee Gooderham's Citreon was stopped near his home in Clipstone after police were called because he "caused issues with his partner," at 11pm, on June 10, said prosecutor Neil Hollett.

There was evidence of "poor driving," and officers were "concerned about his level of intoxication."

A test revealed he had 122 mcgs of alcohol in 100 mls of breath when the legal limit is 35 mcgs.

Arjun Madahar, mitigating, said Gooderham has "long standing issues with alcohol" but has already referred himself to Change Grow Live, an organisation which helps people with substance abuse problems.

He said Gooderham "feels greatly ashamed not only for himself but for his family."

Any disqualification would primarily impact his eight children, Mr Madahar said, one of whom will lose her job because he will be unable to give her a lift.

"The consequences are going to be far-reaching no matter what decision you reach today," he told the magistrates.

Probation officer Mark Burton said Gooderham had stopped drinking alcohol for several years, but "distressing incidents" had caused him to relapse - albeit not to the same extent.

"His wife has been influential in helping him to address his addictions," Mr Burton said, adding that they argued when he bought more alcohol than he usually did.

"He's certainly aware of the dangers he's placed others in and he's remorseful."

He said the defendant was working towards “total abstinence” by reducing his weekly alcohol intake one drink at a time.

Gooderham, 44, of First Avenue, Clipstone, admitted drink driving when he appeared at Mansfield Magistrates Court, on Thursday.

Magistrates said they recognised he had been making efforts, and that he was remorseful.

He received a 12 week prison sentence, suspended for one year. He was banned from driving for 36 months, but was offered a rehabilitation course which will reduce the disqualification by nine months if he completes it by August 2023. He was ordered to pay £85 court costs and a £128 surcharge.

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