A SERIAL drink driver who stole his father's powerful Mercedes killed a popular Sheffield biker in a head-on smash after downing six bottles of lager.
Dimitri Desmond Wright, aged 35, who has two previous convictions for drink driving and has never held a driving licence, was locked up for six years by a judge at Sheffield Crown Court.
Much-loved father and grandad Steven Eames, 51, was killed when Wright ploughed into his Harley Davidson as he overtook on Hemsworth Road, Norton, in September.
The court heard Wright had taken his father's black Mercedes Kompressor and gone to the pub to meet friends where he had drunk five or six bottles of lager.
He was overtaking on the wrong side of the road when he hit Mr Eames, killing him instantly.
Wright admitted driving over the prescribed limit and causing death by dangerous driving.
Banning Wright from driving for six years and ordering him to take an extended test, Judge Goldsack said Wright had two previous convictions for drink driving in 1995 and 2008.
Read more at http://www.thestar.co.uk/news/Biker-death-drink-driver-jailed.6616638.jp
Monday, 8 November 2010
Friday, 5 November 2010
Anglesey drink-driver given a suspended prison sentence!
A drink-driver has been given a suspended prison sentence after travelling 10 miles the wrong way down a dual carriageway.
Businessman Steven Potts, 47, only stopped his VW Golf when police blocked him on the A55 on Anglesey, Caernarfon Crown Court heard.
The judge said it was "astounding" Potts had not killed anyone while three times over the limit.
In addition to a 52-week suspended prison sentence and a three year driving ban, Potts was also ordered to carry out 120 hours of unpaid work.
Potts, of Gaerwen on the island, must attend a drink-impaired drivers' programme and also pass an extended driving test before getting back behind the wheel.
He was also ordered to pay £340 in court costs.
Source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-11695454
Businessman Steven Potts, 47, only stopped his VW Golf when police blocked him on the A55 on Anglesey, Caernarfon Crown Court heard.
The judge said it was "astounding" Potts had not killed anyone while three times over the limit.
In addition to a 52-week suspended prison sentence and a three year driving ban, Potts was also ordered to carry out 120 hours of unpaid work.
Potts, of Gaerwen on the island, must attend a drink-impaired drivers' programme and also pass an extended driving test before getting back behind the wheel.
He was also ordered to pay £340 in court costs.
Source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-11695454
Thursday, 4 November 2010
Jail for A90 drink-driver!
A drink-driver who led a high-speed pursuit deemed too dangerous for police officers to continue has been jailed for three months.
Despite being a first time offender, Robert Wilson's actions were deemed serious enough by Sheriff Robert McCreadie to justify a custodial sentence.
Perth Sheriff Court heard how the 59-year-old initially fled from officers after fearing he would lose his licence as he was over the drink-driving limit.
In a bid to evade police he left Perth by the A90 after midnight before parking in a lay-by and switching off his lights.
The accused was later traced at his home and arrested.
Wilson, of Rose Hill Cottage, Glencarse, admitted that on August 10 he drove dangerously by reaching speeds of up to 100mph on the A90, 60mph in Glencarse and 90mph on other unclassified roads.
Sheriff McCreadie described the incident as "one of the worst" he had seen in the court and ignored pleas from Mr Ralph to consider community service as a direct alternative to custody.
"I don't know how narrow these roads are but driving at that speed in the dark is quite unconscionable," he said.
"The problem is that there comes a stage when the offence is so serious that a custodial sentence is the only option.
Wilson was also disqualified from holding and obtaining a licence for 10 years and ordered to sit an extended driving test.
Source: http://www.thecourier.co.uk/News/Perthshire/article/7132c1/jail-for-a90-drink-driver-involved-in-high-speed-police-pursuit.html
Despite being a first time offender, Robert Wilson's actions were deemed serious enough by Sheriff Robert McCreadie to justify a custodial sentence.
Perth Sheriff Court heard how the 59-year-old initially fled from officers after fearing he would lose his licence as he was over the drink-driving limit.
In a bid to evade police he left Perth by the A90 after midnight before parking in a lay-by and switching off his lights.
The accused was later traced at his home and arrested.
Wilson, of Rose Hill Cottage, Glencarse, admitted that on August 10 he drove dangerously by reaching speeds of up to 100mph on the A90, 60mph in Glencarse and 90mph on other unclassified roads.
Sheriff McCreadie described the incident as "one of the worst" he had seen in the court and ignored pleas from Mr Ralph to consider community service as a direct alternative to custody.
"I don't know how narrow these roads are but driving at that speed in the dark is quite unconscionable," he said.
"The problem is that there comes a stage when the offence is so serious that a custodial sentence is the only option.
Wilson was also disqualified from holding and obtaining a licence for 10 years and ordered to sit an extended driving test.
Source: http://www.thecourier.co.uk/News/Perthshire/article/7132c1/jail-for-a90-drink-driver-involved-in-high-speed-police-pursuit.html
Wednesday, 3 November 2010
One in four drink-drive in the UK!
A quarter of all motorists drink and drive but under-24s are less likely than their parents to break the law, a survey revealed yesterday.
Two-thirds of drivers also routinely break the speed limit and a third talk on hand-held phones, insurer Quinn-direct's poll found.
Joel Hickman, of road safety charity Brake, said governments had "profoundly failed" to stop drink driving.
Source: http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/top-stories/2010/11/03/one-in-four-drink-drive-115875-22686850/
Tuesday, 2 November 2010
Airman disqualified from driving!
Ignoring 'no entry' signs on a road led American Air Force mechanic Jordan Simmons to court for drink-driving.
Simmons, 25, was more than double the legal alcohol limit when police stopped him in Ely.
After being pulled over in Market Street at 11.30pm on October 8, he admitted to police that he had been drinking.
“He realises it was silly and is paying the consequences.” Magistrates disqualified Simmons from driving for 18 months and fined him £360.
Mary Rone, presiding magistrate, said: “Drink- driving is certainly not looked upon favourably in this country. The penalties we imposed reflect that.”
Simmons was ordered to pay £85 court costs.
Adapted from: http://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/Home/Airmans-wrong-turn-results-in-road-ban.htm
Simmons, 25, was more than double the legal alcohol limit when police stopped him in Ely.
After being pulled over in Market Street at 11.30pm on October 8, he admitted to police that he had been drinking.
“He realises it was silly and is paying the consequences.” Magistrates disqualified Simmons from driving for 18 months and fined him £360.
Mary Rone, presiding magistrate, said: “Drink- driving is certainly not looked upon favourably in this country. The penalties we imposed reflect that.”
Simmons was ordered to pay £85 court costs.
Adapted from: http://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/Home/Airmans-wrong-turn-results-in-road-ban.htm
Tuesday, 26 October 2010
Paramedic arrested on suspicion of drink driving!
A PARAMEDIC has been arrested on suspicion of drink-driving after ploughing into SIX vehicles on his way to a 999 call.
Two minibuses, a van and three cars were shunted as they queued to get on a roundabout.
No one was in the back of the 39-year-old's ambulance - but four people were taken to hospital, shaken by the force of the crash.
Police arrested the driver at the scene and had to close the busy dual carriageway for four hours.
East Midlands Ambulance Service said the driver has been suspended while the crash on the A52 in Stapleford, Notts, is investigated. He was bailed until January.
Adapted from: http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/3196523/East-Midlands-Ambulance-Service-suspend-paramedic-after-accident-on-suspicion-of-drink-driving.html
Two minibuses, a van and three cars were shunted as they queued to get on a roundabout.
No one was in the back of the 39-year-old's ambulance - but four people were taken to hospital, shaken by the force of the crash.
Police arrested the driver at the scene and had to close the busy dual carriageway for four hours.
East Midlands Ambulance Service said the driver has been suspended while the crash on the A52 in Stapleford, Notts, is investigated. He was bailed until January.
Adapted from: http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/3196523/East-Midlands-Ambulance-Service-suspend-paramedic-after-accident-on-suspicion-of-drink-driving.html
Monday, 25 October 2010
Prosecutor Janine Bates' 'highly regarded' career in tatters for drink-driving!
A YOUNG prosecutor sobbed in the dock yesterday when she was banned from driving for three years after crashing her car into oncoming traffic while drunk.
Janine Bates, 30, appeared at Dundee Sheriff Court, where she frequently worked as a prosecutor, after spending the night in the cells.
She pleaded guilty to the drink-driving charge and one of careless driving which caused injury.
The court was told that the "highly regarded" fiscal's career was in tatters after her drunken car smash shame.
A passenger in the car she collided with suffered a dislocated little finger and received treatment at the city's Ninewells hospital.
Bates, of Dundee, was suspended from her post at the Crown Office yesterday and could lose her job.
In January, another Tayside fiscal, Anne Hart, 39, was banned from driving for 18 months and fined £400 after smashing into a parked car while drunk at the wheel.
Source: http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scottish-news/2010/10/22/highly-regarded-prosecutor-s-career-in-tatters-as-she-is-hit-with-car-ban-following-drink-drive-smash-86908-22650952/
Janine Bates, 30, appeared at Dundee Sheriff Court, where she frequently worked as a prosecutor, after spending the night in the cells.
She pleaded guilty to the drink-driving charge and one of careless driving which caused injury.
The court was told that the "highly regarded" fiscal's career was in tatters after her drunken car smash shame.
A passenger in the car she collided with suffered a dislocated little finger and received treatment at the city's Ninewells hospital.
Bates, of Dundee, was suspended from her post at the Crown Office yesterday and could lose her job.
In January, another Tayside fiscal, Anne Hart, 39, was banned from driving for 18 months and fined £400 after smashing into a parked car while drunk at the wheel.
Source: http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scottish-news/2010/10/22/highly-regarded-prosecutor-s-career-in-tatters-as-she-is-hit-with-car-ban-following-drink-drive-smash-86908-22650952/
Serious Consequences of drink-driving
Drink-driver killed in a horror crash!
A driver was nearly three times the drink drive limit when he died in a horror crash.
Scott Crick’s car hit trees more than 6ft above the ground after it left the road on the way home after a night out.
Mr Crick, 25, of Barnstock Field, Steeple Bumpstead, died at the scene of the crash at Great Bardfield.
His friend Oli Burkett, 26, of Great Bardfield, suffered critical head injuries but is now said to be recovering.
Source: http://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/Home/Driver-killed-in-crash-was-nearly-treble-limit-for-drink-inquest-told.htm
Leighton drink-driver disqualified from driving!
A MAN from Leighton has been disqualified from driving for 14 months after pleading guilty to drink driving.
Fred Robert Packer, 60, of Leighton, pleaded guilty to the charge at Welshpool Magistrates' Court.
Packer was disqualified from driving for 14 months, ordered to pay a £240 fine, £85 costs and a victim surcharge of £15.
Source: http://www.countytimes.co.uk/news/94731/leighton-drink-driver-hit-with-disqualification.aspx
Tonbridge drink-driver banned!
A MAN who admitted he tried to drive home when he was three times over the legal alcohol limit has been banned for three-and-a-half years.
Gordon Sellen, of London Road, Tonbridge, pleaded guilty to drink driving when he appeared before Sevenoaks Magistrates on Wednesday.
Sellen, who had a previous conviction for a similar offence, was disqualified from driving for 42 months and given a 12-month community order, including a drink-drive rehabilitation programme and 100 hours of unpaid work. He was also ordered to pay £85 prosecution costs.
Source: http://www.thisiskent.co.uk/tonbridge/Difficulty-ex-partner-drink-driver-banned/article-2782017-detail/article.html
A driver was nearly three times the drink drive limit when he died in a horror crash.
Scott Crick’s car hit trees more than 6ft above the ground after it left the road on the way home after a night out.
Mr Crick, 25, of Barnstock Field, Steeple Bumpstead, died at the scene of the crash at Great Bardfield.
His friend Oli Burkett, 26, of Great Bardfield, suffered critical head injuries but is now said to be recovering.
Source: http://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/Home/Driver-killed-in-crash-was-nearly-treble-limit-for-drink-inquest-told.htm
Leighton drink-driver disqualified from driving!
A MAN from Leighton has been disqualified from driving for 14 months after pleading guilty to drink driving.
Fred Robert Packer, 60, of Leighton, pleaded guilty to the charge at Welshpool Magistrates' Court.
Packer was disqualified from driving for 14 months, ordered to pay a £240 fine, £85 costs and a victim surcharge of £15.
Source: http://www.countytimes.co.uk/news/94731/leighton-drink-driver-hit-with-disqualification.aspx
Tonbridge drink-driver banned!
A MAN who admitted he tried to drive home when he was three times over the legal alcohol limit has been banned for three-and-a-half years.
Gordon Sellen, of London Road, Tonbridge, pleaded guilty to drink driving when he appeared before Sevenoaks Magistrates on Wednesday.
Sellen, who had a previous conviction for a similar offence, was disqualified from driving for 42 months and given a 12-month community order, including a drink-drive rehabilitation programme and 100 hours of unpaid work. He was also ordered to pay £85 prosecution costs.
Source: http://www.thisiskent.co.uk/tonbridge/Difficulty-ex-partner-drink-driver-banned/article-2782017-detail/article.html
Friday, 22 October 2010
Drink-driver jailed for six years for grandmother death crash
THE family of a woman killed by a drink-driver said his six-year jail term will never make up for the "trail of destruction" he has caused.
Jacqueline Trowbridge, 51, of Semley died when her motorbike collided with a Ford Focus on the A361 near Bridgwater at around 3.15pm on Sunday, August 22.
The uninsured car driver Paul Ardley, 23, of Street, who admitted causing the death of the grandmother by careless driving while over the alcohol limit, was jailed for six years at Taunton Crown Court on Thursday.
The court heard Ardley pulled out in front of Mrs Trowbridge as she passed a pub car park.
When Ardley entered his guilty plea a few weeks after the crash, he did not seek bail, and took the view that he should be punished.
Adapted from: http://www.thisisdorset.co.uk/westerngazette/Killer-s-jailing-ease-loss/article-2780322-detail/article.html
Jacqueline Trowbridge, 51, of Semley died when her motorbike collided with a Ford Focus on the A361 near Bridgwater at around 3.15pm on Sunday, August 22.
The uninsured car driver Paul Ardley, 23, of Street, who admitted causing the death of the grandmother by careless driving while over the alcohol limit, was jailed for six years at Taunton Crown Court on Thursday.
The court heard Ardley pulled out in front of Mrs Trowbridge as she passed a pub car park.
When Ardley entered his guilty plea a few weeks after the crash, he did not seek bail, and took the view that he should be punished.
Adapted from: http://www.thisisdorset.co.uk/westerngazette/Killer-s-jailing-ease-loss/article-2780322-detail/article.html
Disabled drink-driver who killed couple 'will go to jail'!
A disabled driver, close to three times the legal drink-drive limit, killed a family returning home from a Scottish country dance night in Arbroath, the High Court in Dundee was told today.
Alistair Ferrier (30), St Thomas Crescent, Arbroath, admitted causing the deaths in a crash by driving dangerously.
Retired HGV driver John Gibson (69) and his wife Isobella (68), Teviot Place, Montrose, were killed and their lifelong friend Gertrude Massie (71), also from Montrose, was critically injured in the accident on December 14, 2008.
Temporary judge Edward Bowen QC told Ferrier he was required by law to get background reports but added he should be in no doubt he would be jailed.
He deferred sentence to November 24 at the High Court in Edinburgh and remanded Ferrier in custody.
Source: http://www.eveningtelegraph.co.uk/output/2010/10/20/story15880257t0.shtm
Alistair Ferrier (30), St Thomas Crescent, Arbroath, admitted causing the deaths in a crash by driving dangerously.
Retired HGV driver John Gibson (69) and his wife Isobella (68), Teviot Place, Montrose, were killed and their lifelong friend Gertrude Massie (71), also from Montrose, was critically injured in the accident on December 14, 2008.
Temporary judge Edward Bowen QC told Ferrier he was required by law to get background reports but added he should be in no doubt he would be jailed.
He deferred sentence to November 24 at the High Court in Edinburgh and remanded Ferrier in custody.
Source: http://www.eveningtelegraph.co.uk/output/2010/10/20/story15880257t0.shtm
Thursday, 21 October 2010
Football Legend Gazza faces prison for drink-driving!
He swaggered into court winking and smiling at reporters yesterday as he prepared to face a charge of drink-driving while FOUR TIMES the limit.
But the cheeky grin quickly disappeared when fallen England football legend Paul Gascoigne admitted it - and was told he faces jail for his latest boozy escapade.
Gazza, 43, looked visibly shaken as he was given an immediate driving ban and warned he could be banged up for three months.
The court heard he gave a reading of 142mg of alcohol in 100ml of breath when stopped by police. The limit is 35mg.
Later it was revealed the troubled star - who faces ANOTHER drink-drive hearing on November 3 - made friends with a veteran boozer while waiting for the case to begin.
John Ventress, 58 - up on a drunk and disorderly charge - wept as he told how he met Gazza in the court toilets.
He said: "I'm an alcoholic too and I gave him a big hug and a kiss on the cheek. I told him he'd lost a load of weight and he said, 'Don't worry, I am putting it back on, I am coming back'. He gave me his autograph and said he hopes to get out of going to prison."
Wednesday, 20 October 2010
High flyer faces to ruin her career after being caught drink driving!
A high-flying Labour party barrister hailed as the 'next Cherie Blair' was facing career ruin today after she admitted causing a drink-driving smash.
Human rights lawyer Emily Lomax, 37, was three times the limit when her Nissan Micra ploughed into two other cars which had stopped at traffic lights.
It later emerged she had been drinking vodka and orange during the afternoon because she wanted to 'steel herself for a difficult phone call.'
She couldn't even remember the collision itself which left one of the drivers with minor injuries.
After the accident, Lomax quit as Labour councillor for the Hulme area of Manchester.
She now faces a professional disciplinary hearing to decide if she can return to work at a law chambers in Manchester where her political beliefs and 'dynamic and fearless' advocacy style drew comparisons with the former prime minister's wife. At Manchester magistrates court Lomax, of Levenshulme, was fined £995 and banned from the roads for 21 months after admitting drink-driving.
The incident occurred on September 14 whilst Lomax - a member of Amnesty International, Liberty and the Haldane Society of Socialist lawyers - was on her way to a council meeting.
Sheila Graham, prosecuting, said the barrister approached a set of red traffic lights in Longsight but failed to stop in time and hit a Honda Accord and a Toyota Yaris.
Tests showed Lomax had 108 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 mililitres of breath with the legal limit being 35mg.
Lomax suffered minor facial injuries when her car airbag inflated on impact.
'In her professional life she will have to account for her actions, and account for why this has happened. She should know better and she accepts that. She will already receive more penalties than a defendant without Miss Lomax's background.
'She has to start again, she has lost everything, and she had a glittering career ahead of her.'
Lomax told JPs: 'I am deeply ashamed at having committed this offence and it's going to be difficult to come back from in my professional life.
Passing sentence, Dr Adrian Curtis said: 'Driving with excess alcohol holds a community penalty and this will be high in your case.
'Your actions were reckless, negligent and a danger to the public.'
Adapted from: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1321506/Labour-barrister-Emily-Lomax-faces-career-ruin-drink-drive-shame.html#ixzz12uNusv84
Man gets caught drink driving the morning after a night of drinking!
A MAN arrested for drink driving had been drinking heavily at a party the night before.
Frederick Hobbs, aged 20, of Truro Gardens, Ronkswood, Worcester, was caught with 41mcg of alcohol in 100ml of breath – the legal limit is 35mcg – when he was arrested by police at 9.45am, nearly six hours after crashing into a car.
Sarah Stock, prosecuting, said Hobbs had been at a birthday party at an address on Diglis Lane on Saturday, October 2, where he had been drinking heavily.
“He left the party at 3.50am and drove along the lane to his girlfriend’s house and drove straight into the back of an Audi A4,” said Mrs Stock.
“He rang his friends who came to help him move the car back on the right side of the road. He didn’t tell police or try to find the owner.”
Hobbs was arrested after being located at the address on Diglis Lane.
He originally told police his car had been stolen but later admitted the offence, saying he lied to the officers because he was scared and did not know what to do.
Hobbs pleaded guilty to drink-driving and failing to stop after an accident when he appeared at Worcester Magistrates Court.
Mark Turnbull, defending, said: “He is a young man who knows the decision he made was really very daft.
“The damage to his car was extensive, but the Audi had relatively little damage.
“His car has been written off. It was an extremely foolish decision.
“He realised almost immediately he shouldn’t have done it.”
District judge Bruce Morgan said: “Drink-driving is a dangerous offence, especially given the amount of alcohol you must have had in your system.”
Hobbs was fined £300 and was disqualified from driving for two years. He must pay £250 compensation, £85 costs and a £15 victim surcharge.
Source: http://www.worcesternews.co.uk/news/local/8461362.Drink_driver_crashed_into_car/
Frederick Hobbs, aged 20, of Truro Gardens, Ronkswood, Worcester, was caught with 41mcg of alcohol in 100ml of breath – the legal limit is 35mcg – when he was arrested by police at 9.45am, nearly six hours after crashing into a car.
Sarah Stock, prosecuting, said Hobbs had been at a birthday party at an address on Diglis Lane on Saturday, October 2, where he had been drinking heavily.
“He left the party at 3.50am and drove along the lane to his girlfriend’s house and drove straight into the back of an Audi A4,” said Mrs Stock.
“He rang his friends who came to help him move the car back on the right side of the road. He didn’t tell police or try to find the owner.”
Hobbs was arrested after being located at the address on Diglis Lane.
He originally told police his car had been stolen but later admitted the offence, saying he lied to the officers because he was scared and did not know what to do.
Hobbs pleaded guilty to drink-driving and failing to stop after an accident when he appeared at Worcester Magistrates Court.
Mark Turnbull, defending, said: “He is a young man who knows the decision he made was really very daft.
“The damage to his car was extensive, but the Audi had relatively little damage.
“His car has been written off. It was an extremely foolish decision.
“He realised almost immediately he shouldn’t have done it.”
District judge Bruce Morgan said: “Drink-driving is a dangerous offence, especially given the amount of alcohol you must have had in your system.”
Hobbs was fined £300 and was disqualified from driving for two years. He must pay £250 compensation, £85 costs and a £15 victim surcharge.
Source: http://www.worcesternews.co.uk/news/local/8461362.Drink_driver_crashed_into_car/
Friday, 8 October 2010
Drink driver lost job, wife and licence
A MAN who lost his job and was dumped by his spouse all on the same day chose to drown his sorrows with a bottle of whisky before driving his van.
Christopher Mayle (26) admitted at Inverness Sheriff Court on Tuesday drink driving and being in possession of a fishing knife.
Depute fiscal Heather Swan said: "Around 11.40pm a member of the public was camping at the side of the canal in Fort Augustus. He heard a vehicle approaching, he saw a white van which was being driven by Mayle.
"The member of the public could see Mayle was holding a long shiny object, but couldn't see what it was. Mayle then drove away and the member of the public saw a knife and picked it up and returned to his tent."
Ms Swan said police had been advised of the situation and officers were doing a patrol of the A82 when they came across Mayle in his van.
Mayle was breathalysed and was found to be over the limit and his response when he was shown the knife was that he had split up with his partner and everything he owned was in the van.
The court heard Mayle gave police officers one specimen of breath as part of the drink driving procedure, but refused to give another.
Defence solicitor Craig Wood said Mayle lost his job of two years and then returned home and was chased out of the house by his spouse.
He said: "He bought a bottle of whisky and drove to Fort Augustus.
"His knife was a pairing knife, which is a fishing knife, and he says he has no memory of taking it out of the car."
Mayle, of Glasgow, admitted on July 28 at Oich Road, Fort Augustus, having in his possession a pairing knife.
He also admitted on the same date on the A82 Inverness to Fort William road near Invergarry, driving a van after consuming 83 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath, when the prescribed limit is 35 micrograms.
He also pled guilty to failing to provide a specimen of breath at Burnett Road Police Station in Inverness.
Sheriff Andrew Berry fined Mayle £150 for possession of the pairing knife and fined him another £300 for drink driving.
Mayle was also disqualified from driving for 18 months
Christopher Mayle (26) admitted at Inverness Sheriff Court on Tuesday drink driving and being in possession of a fishing knife.
Depute fiscal Heather Swan said: "Around 11.40pm a member of the public was camping at the side of the canal in Fort Augustus. He heard a vehicle approaching, he saw a white van which was being driven by Mayle.
"The member of the public could see Mayle was holding a long shiny object, but couldn't see what it was. Mayle then drove away and the member of the public saw a knife and picked it up and returned to his tent."
Ms Swan said police had been advised of the situation and officers were doing a patrol of the A82 when they came across Mayle in his van.
Mayle was breathalysed and was found to be over the limit and his response when he was shown the knife was that he had split up with his partner and everything he owned was in the van.
The court heard Mayle gave police officers one specimen of breath as part of the drink driving procedure, but refused to give another.
Defence solicitor Craig Wood said Mayle lost his job of two years and then returned home and was chased out of the house by his spouse.
He said: "He bought a bottle of whisky and drove to Fort Augustus.
"His knife was a pairing knife, which is a fishing knife, and he says he has no memory of taking it out of the car."
Mayle, of Glasgow, admitted on July 28 at Oich Road, Fort Augustus, having in his possession a pairing knife.
He also admitted on the same date on the A82 Inverness to Fort William road near Invergarry, driving a van after consuming 83 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath, when the prescribed limit is 35 micrograms.
He also pled guilty to failing to provide a specimen of breath at Burnett Road Police Station in Inverness.
Sheriff Andrew Berry fined Mayle £150 for possession of the pairing knife and fined him another £300 for drink driving.
Mayle was also disqualified from driving for 18 months
Wednesday, 6 October 2010
Police lied to persuade CCTV staff to monitor drink-drive suspects
Officers in Devon were said to have regularly asked operators to watch for people who might be over the drink-drive limit by making up false information about them.
Campaign group Liberty said the disclosure was a reminder that there was scope for CCTV cameras to be abused. Adrian Sanders, the Liberal Democrat MP for Torbay, said the practice was unacceptable. "There are strict guidelines between the sharing of intelligence between police and other agencies and similar controls with what happens as a result of sharing that intelligence," he said.
The practice was revealed by the case of John Joseph, 54, of Torbay, after he parked his car outside a pub in 2007. A police officer asked CCTV operators to watch Joseph, also known as calypso, reggae and soca singer and performance poet Antigua Joe, who was later arrested on suspicion of drink-driving and put in handcuffs and leg restraints. A breath test proved negative.
Joseph was awarded £17,500 compensation after complaining about his arrest. A police standards investigation rejected Joseph's allegation that he was targeted because of his race. But a report into the case flagged up an admission by one officer involved that he invented intelligence about Joseph to get the CCTV operators to watch him.
"To get the council CCTV control room personnel to watch the vehicle he [the police officer] would have to give them a good reason for doing so. In order to do this he had told them he knew the occupant very well and knew he would be drinking," the report said.
"[The officer] admitted this was invented by him and a lie. He went on to say that he and his colleagues targeted vehicles outside public houses and regularly persuaded CCTV operators to watch vehicles by inventing intelligence."
Joseph was charged with resisting arrest and a public order offence but cleared on both counts. He was held for nine hours after his arrest in 2007. The report said Joseph's detention was unlawful.
A complaint against the officer of "falsehood and prevarication by making a false report to CCTV operators" was upheld.
A spokesman for Devon and Cornwall police's professional standards department said: "Mr Joseph did make a complaint against police following his arrest. Elements of his complaints were found to be proven and a number of officers received a range of sanctions as a result."
The force refused to comment on the use of CCTV.
Campaign group Liberty said the disclosure was a reminder that there was scope for CCTV cameras to be abused. Adrian Sanders, the Liberal Democrat MP for Torbay, said the practice was unacceptable. "There are strict guidelines between the sharing of intelligence between police and other agencies and similar controls with what happens as a result of sharing that intelligence," he said.
The practice was revealed by the case of John Joseph, 54, of Torbay, after he parked his car outside a pub in 2007. A police officer asked CCTV operators to watch Joseph, also known as calypso, reggae and soca singer and performance poet Antigua Joe, who was later arrested on suspicion of drink-driving and put in handcuffs and leg restraints. A breath test proved negative.
Joseph was awarded £17,500 compensation after complaining about his arrest. A police standards investigation rejected Joseph's allegation that he was targeted because of his race. But a report into the case flagged up an admission by one officer involved that he invented intelligence about Joseph to get the CCTV operators to watch him.
"To get the council CCTV control room personnel to watch the vehicle he [the police officer] would have to give them a good reason for doing so. In order to do this he had told them he knew the occupant very well and knew he would be drinking," the report said.
"[The officer] admitted this was invented by him and a lie. He went on to say that he and his colleagues targeted vehicles outside public houses and regularly persuaded CCTV operators to watch vehicles by inventing intelligence."
Joseph was charged with resisting arrest and a public order offence but cleared on both counts. He was held for nine hours after his arrest in 2007. The report said Joseph's detention was unlawful.
A complaint against the officer of "falsehood and prevarication by making a false report to CCTV operators" was upheld.
A spokesman for Devon and Cornwall police's professional standards department said: "Mr Joseph did make a complaint against police following his arrest. Elements of his complaints were found to be proven and a number of officers received a range of sanctions as a result."
The force refused to comment on the use of CCTV.
Tuesday, 5 October 2010
Drink driving costs more than just a fine, in this case £1390 more!
What could happen to me if i didnt tell insurance company?
Question by confused me: what could happen to me if i didnt tell insurance company?
that i was done for drink drive 3 yrs ago… wana apply for my licence back have checked insurance and said i have a drink drive conviction will cost £1,790….when i dont say then it costs me 400 quid… what do i do and what can happen and how wld they find out and who can find out….. thanx all in advance x
Best answer:
They have access to that information anyhow – via the DVLA so not worth lying.
Add your own answer in the comments!
Question by confused me: what could happen to me if i didnt tell insurance company?
that i was done for drink drive 3 yrs ago… wana apply for my licence back have checked insurance and said i have a drink drive conviction will cost £1,790….when i dont say then it costs me 400 quid… what do i do and what can happen and how wld they find out and who can find out….. thanx all in advance x
Best answer:
They have access to that information anyhow – via the DVLA so not worth lying.
Add your own answer in the comments!
Costly Consequences Of Drink Driving
A teenage drunk driver from Maidstone had three times the legal limit of alcohol when she failed a road side breath test.
Jasmin Jade Grant, 18, of Sutton Road, Maidstone, pleaded guilty to drink driving at Faversham and Sittingbourne Magistrates Court.
On July 4, Grant drove a silver Ford Fiesta on Lower Road, Sheerness, while exceeding the drink drive limit.
She had 71 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath. The legal limit is 35.
Grant was disqualified from driving for a year, which will be reduced by three months if she completes a drink-drive course costing £188.
She was also given a £100 benefit reduction and ordered to pay an £85 fine and £15 costs.
Jasmin Jade Grant, 18, of Sutton Road, Maidstone, pleaded guilty to drink driving at Faversham and Sittingbourne Magistrates Court.
On July 4, Grant drove a silver Ford Fiesta on Lower Road, Sheerness, while exceeding the drink drive limit.
She had 71 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath. The legal limit is 35.
Grant was disqualified from driving for a year, which will be reduced by three months if she completes a drink-drive course costing £188.
She was also given a £100 benefit reduction and ordered to pay an £85 fine and £15 costs.
Saturday, 11 September 2010
drink driver faked diabetic fit
A 26-YEAR-OLD man who pretended to have a diabetic fit after being caught drink-driving has been jailed for three months.
Nazif Sheikh, of New Road, Bedfont, was stopped by police as he drove in Bath Road, Heathrow.
He later admitted he had downed half a bottle of Jack Daniels whiskey.
Sheikh, who was already disqualified for a drink-driving offence on February 3, told officers he did not think he was drunk and believed he was safe to drive
After giving a breath test, he was taken to Heathrow police station, where he claimed he was diabetic and needed insulin jabs.
Sheikh pretended to collapse, and an officer checked his pulse, which seemed normal, before putting him in the recovery position.
At Isleworth Crown Court, Judge Robert Winstanley said: "You kept straightening your leg.
"At this the officer thought you must be faking the illness."
Nevertherless, the court heard how an ambulance was called and a paramedic checked Sheikh, before telling him to "stop messing around".
He was taken to hospital after continuing to feign illness and at one point told officers that he knew enough about alcohol to know that he would now pass a breath test.
After being taken back to the station, he passed the test and insisted he had not faked the collapse.
Judge Winstanley said: "This was a deliberate, planned attempt. There was no panic.
"You showed signs of lightness, putting your thumbs up and smiling.
"You knew exactly what was happening. You even had the cheek to tell the officers at the end of things at the hospital that your alcohol level would have dropped and you turned out to be right about this."
Sheikh admitted driving while disqualified and perverting the course of justice and was banned from driving for two and a half years and jailed for three months.
Nazif Sheikh, of New Road, Bedfont, was stopped by police as he drove in Bath Road, Heathrow.
He later admitted he had downed half a bottle of Jack Daniels whiskey.
Sheikh, who was already disqualified for a drink-driving offence on February 3, told officers he did not think he was drunk and believed he was safe to drive
After giving a breath test, he was taken to Heathrow police station, where he claimed he was diabetic and needed insulin jabs.
Sheikh pretended to collapse, and an officer checked his pulse, which seemed normal, before putting him in the recovery position.
At Isleworth Crown Court, Judge Robert Winstanley said: "You kept straightening your leg.
"At this the officer thought you must be faking the illness."
Nevertherless, the court heard how an ambulance was called and a paramedic checked Sheikh, before telling him to "stop messing around".
He was taken to hospital after continuing to feign illness and at one point told officers that he knew enough about alcohol to know that he would now pass a breath test.
After being taken back to the station, he passed the test and insisted he had not faked the collapse.
Judge Winstanley said: "This was a deliberate, planned attempt. There was no panic.
"You showed signs of lightness, putting your thumbs up and smiling.
"You knew exactly what was happening. You even had the cheek to tell the officers at the end of things at the hospital that your alcohol level would have dropped and you turned out to be right about this."
Sheikh admitted driving while disqualified and perverting the course of justice and was banned from driving for two and a half years and jailed for three months.
Friday, 3 September 2010
Man swings on bonnet of drunk driver-Avoidable, read the full story and comment
A drink-driver faces jail after he was caught careering down a road while twice the legal limit - with a friend desperately clinging to the bonnet.
Peter James, 23, had been drinking with friends when he jumped behind the wheel of his BMW in the early hours.
Officers breathalysed James, who was found to have 62 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath, after the incident at 1am on August 1.
And yesterday he was told he faces jail after admitting drink driving and dangerous driving at Gloucester Magistrate's Court.
Graham Dono, prosecuting, said: 'The CCTV shows a female standing in front of the defendant's BMW and then moving away.
'The defendant drives off but a man stands in front of his car and climbs on the bonnet.
'The defendant drives over a speed bump with the man still on the bonnet.'
Claire Mortimer, mitigating, said: 'The man on the bonnet is a friend of my client and was trying to persuade him to go nightclubbing. He had only consumed two pints and did not want to go clubbing.
'He did not drive at excessive speed, there were a few people about at that time of night and the distance he drove was short.'
Peter James, 23, had been drinking with friends when he jumped behind the wheel of his BMW in the early hours.
Officers breathalysed James, who was found to have 62 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath, after the incident at 1am on August 1.
And yesterday he was told he faces jail after admitting drink driving and dangerous driving at Gloucester Magistrate's Court.
Graham Dono, prosecuting, said: 'The CCTV shows a female standing in front of the defendant's BMW and then moving away.
'The defendant drives off but a man stands in front of his car and climbs on the bonnet.
'The defendant drives over a speed bump with the man still on the bonnet.'
Claire Mortimer, mitigating, said: 'The man on the bonnet is a friend of my client and was trying to persuade him to go nightclubbing. He had only consumed two pints and did not want to go clubbing.
'He did not drive at excessive speed, there were a few people about at that time of night and the distance he drove was short.'
Friday, 27 August 2010
Discrimination
Probe reveals boozed up learner drivers weren't banned from the road
By Tom Pettifor 26/08/2010
Learner drivers sent home from tests because examiners thought they were drunk or on drugs were not banned from the road.
The 29 men and 11 women, aged between 17 and 61, failed their tests at centres across England and Wales over the past three years.
But a Mirror investigation has uncovered none of the 40 drivers were reported to the police.
And due to Driving Standards Agency guidelines they were not even told why their tests had to be abandoned.
Steve Gough, a trustee of the Campaign Against Drink Driving, said: "This has really shocked me. It's disgusting - talk about double standards. This is the authority responsible for driving standards on our roads and they should be leading by example."
But a DSA spokesman said: "If a driving examiner ever suspects that a candidate is unfit to drive they will cancel the test and advise the candidate not to drive.
"However, examiners do not have the power to formally test whether a candidate is impaired and so it would not be appropriate for them to impose penalties.
The figures, which include 15 drivers under 21, were released following a Freedom of Information request by the Daily Mirror.
In March, George Howarth, 53, was banned from driving for 16 months after he crashed his instructor's car while one-and-a-half times the limit.
He blamed it on drinking the night before even though the accident, in Gorton, Manchester, was at 4.30pm.
By Tom Pettifor 26/08/2010
Learner drivers sent home from tests because examiners thought they were drunk or on drugs were not banned from the road.
The 29 men and 11 women, aged between 17 and 61, failed their tests at centres across England and Wales over the past three years.
But a Mirror investigation has uncovered none of the 40 drivers were reported to the police.
And due to Driving Standards Agency guidelines they were not even told why their tests had to be abandoned.
Steve Gough, a trustee of the Campaign Against Drink Driving, said: "This has really shocked me. It's disgusting - talk about double standards. This is the authority responsible for driving standards on our roads and they should be leading by example."
But a DSA spokesman said: "If a driving examiner ever suspects that a candidate is unfit to drive they will cancel the test and advise the candidate not to drive.
"However, examiners do not have the power to formally test whether a candidate is impaired and so it would not be appropriate for them to impose penalties.
The figures, which include 15 drivers under 21, were released following a Freedom of Information request by the Daily Mirror.
In March, George Howarth, 53, was banned from driving for 16 months after he crashed his instructor's car while one-and-a-half times the limit.
He blamed it on drinking the night before even though the accident, in Gorton, Manchester, was at 4.30pm.
Tuesday, 24 August 2010
Transport minister rejects move to halve drink-drive limit
Ministers are set to reject an official report calling for the drink drive limit to be halved, the Evening Standard has learned.
Transport Secretary Philip Hammond is expected to rule that it would be too damaging to rural pubs despite evidence that tougher laws would save hundreds of lives.
An insider said: “The minister is very sceptical indeed about this idea. He is far from convinced that it would be a good thing.”
A formal review of the drink-drive laws by academic and legal expert Sir Peter North reported in June with 51 recommendations, including one suggesting the alcohol limit be cut from 80mg per 100ml of blood to 50mg.
That would effectively create a “one pint or you're banned” rule, with the same mandatory 12-month driving ban as now and put Britain closer in line with many other European countries.
Mr Hammond, a Conservative and motoring enthusiast, greeted Sir Peter's report as “a serious piece of work” but delayed a decision so that he could commission research into the likely impact on beleaguered country pubs.
The drinks industry argues that cutting the limit would put people off driving to rural pubs and restaurants yet would do nothing to change the behaviour of the minority of drunks who already flout the law.
Alcohol-related road deaths in Britain stand at 17 per cent of all road fatalities. Sir Peter's report suggested up to 300 deaths could be avoided each year if the law was changed,
Britain's 80mg limit is much higher than other European countries including Germany, France, Holland, Spain and Italy where 50mg is the maximum.
However, accident statistics are not always better in those countries. In France the proportion of fatalities where alcohol is a factor is 27.3 per cent. Sweden has a limit of only 20mg but the figure is still 16.1 per cent. In Hungary, where there is a zero limit, 8.7 per cent of road deaths are alcohol-related.
Professor Stephen Glaister, director of the RAC Foundation, said: “We have broadly favoured a reduction in the drink-drive limit to bring us into line with most of Europe.
“Drink-driving campaigns have been successful but education alone has not been completely successful in eradicating what many see as anti-social behaviour. Research suggests 65 lives a year would be saved by a change, though it is unlikely such a policy would encourage hardened offenders — those already way above the current limit — to alter their habits."
Transport Secretary Philip Hammond is expected to rule that it would be too damaging to rural pubs despite evidence that tougher laws would save hundreds of lives.
An insider said: “The minister is very sceptical indeed about this idea. He is far from convinced that it would be a good thing.”
A formal review of the drink-drive laws by academic and legal expert Sir Peter North reported in June with 51 recommendations, including one suggesting the alcohol limit be cut from 80mg per 100ml of blood to 50mg.
That would effectively create a “one pint or you're banned” rule, with the same mandatory 12-month driving ban as now and put Britain closer in line with many other European countries.
Mr Hammond, a Conservative and motoring enthusiast, greeted Sir Peter's report as “a serious piece of work” but delayed a decision so that he could commission research into the likely impact on beleaguered country pubs.
The drinks industry argues that cutting the limit would put people off driving to rural pubs and restaurants yet would do nothing to change the behaviour of the minority of drunks who already flout the law.
Alcohol-related road deaths in Britain stand at 17 per cent of all road fatalities. Sir Peter's report suggested up to 300 deaths could be avoided each year if the law was changed,
Britain's 80mg limit is much higher than other European countries including Germany, France, Holland, Spain and Italy where 50mg is the maximum.
However, accident statistics are not always better in those countries. In France the proportion of fatalities where alcohol is a factor is 27.3 per cent. Sweden has a limit of only 20mg but the figure is still 16.1 per cent. In Hungary, where there is a zero limit, 8.7 per cent of road deaths are alcohol-related.
Professor Stephen Glaister, director of the RAC Foundation, said: “We have broadly favoured a reduction in the drink-drive limit to bring us into line with most of Europe.
“Drink-driving campaigns have been successful but education alone has not been completely successful in eradicating what many see as anti-social behaviour. Research suggests 65 lives a year would be saved by a change, though it is unlikely such a policy would encourage hardened offenders — those already way above the current limit — to alter their habits."
Wednesday, 4 August 2010
Jail problem drinkers for 24 hours, says senior Tory
A senior Tory has urged the government to jail problem drinkers for 24 hours if they fail to pass a compulsory twice-daily sobriety test.
The coalition is due to publish a white paper on rehabilitation for drink and drugs in the autumn.
Kit Malthouse, the influential Conservative deputy mayor for London policing, is proposing that the government follow the example of a successful 24-hour scheme in South Dakota.
"In the UK a similar scheme would be relatively easy to establish given our police structure. With a plethora of custody suites and prisons swift and certain incarceration could be achieved," Malthouse said today.
Oliver Letwin, the government's chief policy maker, has been talking of a need for a quantum leap in drug and drink treatment in the UK since he was shadow home secretary in 2002.
Ministers are convinced that Labour's expensive drug treatment testing orders do not work. They have also rescinded Labour plans to link welfare benefits to staying clean from drugs, and called for an end to the so-called 24-hour drink culture in the UK.
Malthouse added: "Given that the new government want to cut policing and prison costs and at the same time tackle alcohol-related crime, insisting on self-financing compulsory sobriety from offenders may be the only path to a vomit- and blood-free high street on a Sunday morning."
The scheme, operational across most of South Dakota since 2005 and now spreading to other states, requires anyone convicted of drink-driving or domestic violence to be put in a police cell for 24 hours if they fail a breathalyser test. Courts and lawyers are not involved.
All those put in the scheme are required to attend a police station or testing centre twice a day, and if they do not they are arrested. They are also required to pay for the costs, typically $5 a day.
The scheme was started in a part of South Dakota with two Indian reservations which suffered from unemployment and high alcoholism.
It has since been extended across South Dakota so that since 2005 nearly 15,690 people have been placed in the programme and been tested 3.12m times. The pass rate is 99.3%. The jail population has also fallen.
The results are regarded as impressive since almost half of the participants had been convicted three or more times for driving under the influence.
In rural communities offenders are also tagged with a leg bracelet which checks alcohol levels every half an hour and relays the information to police.
These bracelets are battery operated devices worn on the leg. Every half hour, they collect and analyse wearers' sweat gland emissions for the presence of alcohol.
The accumulated information is remotely transferred to a modem attached to a landline telephone; the modem and bracelet communicate whenever they are within 40 feet of each other.
The structure of the programme is being adapted to include drug abusers.
All content from http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2010/aug/02/jail-problem-drinkersJail
All content written at the above link and not by us.
The coalition is due to publish a white paper on rehabilitation for drink and drugs in the autumn.
Kit Malthouse, the influential Conservative deputy mayor for London policing, is proposing that the government follow the example of a successful 24-hour scheme in South Dakota.
"In the UK a similar scheme would be relatively easy to establish given our police structure. With a plethora of custody suites and prisons swift and certain incarceration could be achieved," Malthouse said today.
Oliver Letwin, the government's chief policy maker, has been talking of a need for a quantum leap in drug and drink treatment in the UK since he was shadow home secretary in 2002.
Ministers are convinced that Labour's expensive drug treatment testing orders do not work. They have also rescinded Labour plans to link welfare benefits to staying clean from drugs, and called for an end to the so-called 24-hour drink culture in the UK.
Malthouse added: "Given that the new government want to cut policing and prison costs and at the same time tackle alcohol-related crime, insisting on self-financing compulsory sobriety from offenders may be the only path to a vomit- and blood-free high street on a Sunday morning."
The scheme, operational across most of South Dakota since 2005 and now spreading to other states, requires anyone convicted of drink-driving or domestic violence to be put in a police cell for 24 hours if they fail a breathalyser test. Courts and lawyers are not involved.
All those put in the scheme are required to attend a police station or testing centre twice a day, and if they do not they are arrested. They are also required to pay for the costs, typically $5 a day.
The scheme was started in a part of South Dakota with two Indian reservations which suffered from unemployment and high alcoholism.
It has since been extended across South Dakota so that since 2005 nearly 15,690 people have been placed in the programme and been tested 3.12m times. The pass rate is 99.3%. The jail population has also fallen.
The results are regarded as impressive since almost half of the participants had been convicted three or more times for driving under the influence.
In rural communities offenders are also tagged with a leg bracelet which checks alcohol levels every half an hour and relays the information to police.
These bracelets are battery operated devices worn on the leg. Every half hour, they collect and analyse wearers' sweat gland emissions for the presence of alcohol.
The accumulated information is remotely transferred to a modem attached to a landline telephone; the modem and bracelet communicate whenever they are within 40 feet of each other.
The structure of the programme is being adapted to include drug abusers.
All content from http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2010/aug/02/jail-problem-drinkersJail
All content written at the above link and not by us.
Friday, 30 July 2010
DriveMyCarHome.co.uk hits the local radio circuit!
DriveMyCarHome.co.uk has had a very busy week with multiple radio station appearances.
We’ve been to the lovely Melton Mowbray radio station, BBC radio Leicester, Leicester sound and Heart FM all in the space of a week.
Hopefully you heard us at some point! And we are very excited about the shape of things to come.
Stay tuned!
We’ve been to the lovely Melton Mowbray radio station, BBC radio Leicester, Leicester sound and Heart FM all in the space of a week.
Hopefully you heard us at some point! And we are very excited about the shape of things to come.
Stay tuned!
Thursday, 22 July 2010
DriveMyCarHome recieves an award!
DriveMyCarHome.co.uk are being rewarded for their hard work by being awarded with a certification from the Leicester Education and Business Company for helping young people in education to develop the skills needed to prepare them for a strong working future.
DriveMyCarHome.co.uk encourages students to learn new skills whilst embarking on work placements within the company in the hope that these opportunities will stand them in good stead for the future. In this competitive jobs environment students are often asked for skills and yet not given the opportunity to learn them. DriveMyCarHome.co.uk helps combat this and tries to give budding students a chance to get on the ladder to success.
There work was rewarded recently by the Leicester Education and Business Company who, since 1992, has managed links between schools, colleges and companies, so that young people, aged 5-19 learn more about business and working life.
Let’s hope there are many more awards like this in the future as DriveMyCarHome.co.uk continuously strive to help students and graduates.
DriveMyCarHome.co.uk encourages students to learn new skills whilst embarking on work placements within the company in the hope that these opportunities will stand them in good stead for the future. In this competitive jobs environment students are often asked for skills and yet not given the opportunity to learn them. DriveMyCarHome.co.uk helps combat this and tries to give budding students a chance to get on the ladder to success.
There work was rewarded recently by the Leicester Education and Business Company who, since 1992, has managed links between schools, colleges and companies, so that young people, aged 5-19 learn more about business and working life.
Let’s hope there are many more awards like this in the future as DriveMyCarHome.co.uk continuously strive to help students and graduates.
Tuesday, 20 July 2010
Pernod Ricard to use Facebook in anti drink-driving campaign
Pernod Ricard UK is to use social networking sites to target 18 to 24-year-old drivers in the the latest phase of its Accept Responsibility campaign.
Its latest aim is to help reduce drink driving amongst young adult consumers by using banner ads on sites such as Facebook and MSN Messenger at specific times when they are making social plans for the weekend or evening.
Jean-Manuel Spriet, chief executive officer, Pernod Ricard UK, said: "We recognise that drink driving continues to be a problem amongst young adults in the UK. We also recognise that the drinks industry and the government must collectively continue to do all we can to urge responsible drinking. By using social networking sites at key times of the day, we trust the message will impact both drivers and passengers when they are planning social events."
The total online ad campaign will deliver around 11.4 million impressions and feature a click through option to the campaign's website.
Previous phases of the campaign have addressed binge drinking and under-age drinking.
The full article can be found at: http://www.harpers.co.uk/news/news-headlines/9274-pernod-ricard-to-use-facebook-in-anti-drink-driving-campaign.html
Its latest aim is to help reduce drink driving amongst young adult consumers by using banner ads on sites such as Facebook and MSN Messenger at specific times when they are making social plans for the weekend or evening.
Jean-Manuel Spriet, chief executive officer, Pernod Ricard UK, said: "We recognise that drink driving continues to be a problem amongst young adults in the UK. We also recognise that the drinks industry and the government must collectively continue to do all we can to urge responsible drinking. By using social networking sites at key times of the day, we trust the message will impact both drivers and passengers when they are planning social events."
The total online ad campaign will deliver around 11.4 million impressions and feature a click through option to the campaign's website.
Previous phases of the campaign have addressed binge drinking and under-age drinking.
The full article can be found at: http://www.harpers.co.uk/news/news-headlines/9274-pernod-ricard-to-use-facebook-in-anti-drink-driving-campaign.html
Monday, 12 July 2010
Tigers fan raises money for the Matt Hampson Trust
A young Leicester Tigers fan is to cut off his hair in aid of the Matt Hampson Trust at one of the club's summer Rugby Courses.
Jared Milligan been growing his hair for the last four years. The 12-year-old, from Derehem in Norfolk, has now decided to cut his locks for charity when the Tigers Rugby Course comes to Swaffham RUFC from July 26-30.
Jared plans to get his dramatic haircut on the final day of the course with the help of Dereham barbers Dads & Lads to raise money for the Matt Hampson Trust. He will also send the hair to a cancer charity to make into wigs.
Speaking on the Leicester Tigers website, His father, Ian, chairman of the youth section at Swaffham RUFC, said Jared's fund-raising effort has already gained support from the rugby community, including All Black great Jonah Lomu.
"It was by following Matt's progress and other fund-raising activities that Jared came up with the idea of having his haircut off to raise some funds," Ian said. "He will be doing it in front of his mates on the Tigers Rugby Course at Swaffham RUFC on 30 July and is hoping to raise a significant amount of money for what is an excellent cause.
"As ever the rugby community is already supporting him with numerous Tigers supporters donating and there have been messages of support coming from figures across the game, including Jonah Lomu who mentioned Jared's fund-raising on his Twitter account."
To support Jared and to make a donation visit www.justgiving.com/mophead-gets-a-haircut
For more information on Tigers Rugby Courses click here and for more information on the Matt Hampson Trust visit www.matthampson.co.uk
DriveMyCarHome.co.uk is an official affiliate to Leicester Tigers.
Jared Milligan been growing his hair for the last four years. The 12-year-old, from Derehem in Norfolk, has now decided to cut his locks for charity when the Tigers Rugby Course comes to Swaffham RUFC from July 26-30.
Jared plans to get his dramatic haircut on the final day of the course with the help of Dereham barbers Dads & Lads to raise money for the Matt Hampson Trust. He will also send the hair to a cancer charity to make into wigs.
Speaking on the Leicester Tigers website, His father, Ian, chairman of the youth section at Swaffham RUFC, said Jared's fund-raising effort has already gained support from the rugby community, including All Black great Jonah Lomu.
"It was by following Matt's progress and other fund-raising activities that Jared came up with the idea of having his haircut off to raise some funds," Ian said. "He will be doing it in front of his mates on the Tigers Rugby Course at Swaffham RUFC on 30 July and is hoping to raise a significant amount of money for what is an excellent cause.
"As ever the rugby community is already supporting him with numerous Tigers supporters donating and there have been messages of support coming from figures across the game, including Jonah Lomu who mentioned Jared's fund-raising on his Twitter account."
To support Jared and to make a donation visit www.justgiving.com/mophead-gets-a-haircut
For more information on Tigers Rugby Courses click here and for more information on the Matt Hampson Trust visit www.matthampson.co.uk
DriveMyCarHome.co.uk is an official affiliate to Leicester Tigers.
Wednesday, 7 July 2010
Jobless chef admits drink-drive rap
Article published by the Daily Gazette today.
AN unemployed chef was caught drink-driving after a night out watching football and clubbing with friends in Colchester.
Simon Smith, 20, of Chapel Lane, West Bergholt, was caught by police driving his Vauxhall Corsa along East Hill, in Colchester.
He was pulled over by police, acting on a tip-off that he was drunk, at 2.10am, on June 28.
Smith was found to have 57 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath.
The legal limit is 35 microgrammes.
Smith admitted the offence at Colchester Magistrates’ Court, on Monday.
The court heard Smith had been drinking in Yates Wine Bar and had ended up going on to Liquid & Envy nightclub.
Paul Baker, mitigating, told the court the chef had gone out to watch a football match and was talked into staying out afterwards by friends.
Mr Baker said: “Because of his limited income it is very rare for him to go out at all and this was the first time in a long while.
“He ended up meeting up with some college friends and they paid for him to get in to Liquids and bought him some drinks inside the club.”
Chairman of the bench David Druitt ordered Smith to pay a £75 fine, £40 towards court costs and a £15 surcharge.
He was also banned from driving for 16 months.
AN unemployed chef was caught drink-driving after a night out watching football and clubbing with friends in Colchester.
Simon Smith, 20, of Chapel Lane, West Bergholt, was caught by police driving his Vauxhall Corsa along East Hill, in Colchester.
He was pulled over by police, acting on a tip-off that he was drunk, at 2.10am, on June 28.
Smith was found to have 57 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath.
The legal limit is 35 microgrammes.
Smith admitted the offence at Colchester Magistrates’ Court, on Monday.
The court heard Smith had been drinking in Yates Wine Bar and had ended up going on to Liquid & Envy nightclub.
Paul Baker, mitigating, told the court the chef had gone out to watch a football match and was talked into staying out afterwards by friends.
Mr Baker said: “Because of his limited income it is very rare for him to go out at all and this was the first time in a long while.
“He ended up meeting up with some college friends and they paid for him to get in to Liquids and bought him some drinks inside the club.”
Chairman of the bench David Druitt ordered Smith to pay a £75 fine, £40 towards court costs and a £15 surcharge.
He was also banned from driving for 16 months.
Tuesday, 6 July 2010
Award-winning Leicester business defies employer’s 2:1 trend
Award-winning business, DriveMyCarHome.co.uk is offering a helping hand to graduates struggling to get jobs. With recent reports by the BBC that more than three quarters of employers require at least a 2:1 grade, DriveMyCarHome.co.uk are bucking this trend. DriveMyCarHome.co.uk are looking to support graduates of all grades in the hope of supporting them in this difficult jobs climate.
Owner Vimal Chaun wants to give all graduates the opportunity to succeed, “I was lucky enough to be employed fairly quickly after I graduated in the late 90’s, but saw many friends with degrees struggling to secure employment even though they had the qualifications because they lacked relevant experience. “
In an article written by the BBC, The Association of Graduate Recruiters says there are more graduates chasing fewer jobs - with vacancies down by 7%. Applications have also risen dramatically, with a reported average of 69 people applying to each graduate job advertised.
DriveMyCarHome.co.uk is striving to help and is calling for graduates of all grades to apply and bring a fresh and dynamic element to its workforce by working together with De Montfort University to help graduates get experience.
Media studies student, Marie Gretton, graduated from De Montfort University two years ago, achieved a 2:1 yet still found it a struggle to find work, “Since leaving university I’ve found it very hard to get a job relevant to my degree. Most companies ask for lots of experience and yet are not willing to give you the chance to get it. Drivemycarhome.co.uk has given me the opportunity to put my degree to good use.”
DriveMyCarHome.co.uk is a relatively new local business that wants to help reduce the number of drink-driving occurrences in Leicestershire by providing a safe and convenient ‘DriveMyCarHome’ service.
People who have had an alcoholic drink and do not want to leave their car parked unattended overnight away from the home can call on the company for help. A fully insured driver arrives on a unique foldable moped to collect the customer; the moped is folded up, placed into a protective back and then placed into the customer’s car boot.
The company driver then drives the customer home in their own vehicle. Once home, the moped is unfolded again and then driven away. The service provides the convenience of the car being parked outside the customer’s home ready for use the next day as well as helping to ensure people don’t drink and drive.
Having seen the difficulties graduates face when trying to find a job first hand, the director of the company, Vimal Chauhan, wants to help students get a foot on the ladder to kick-start successful careers of their own.
He said: “It’s even harder for students now with the current downturn with so many experienced people unemployed and looking work, and so graduates with very little or no experience are not getting that first step to employment in the real world.”
DriveMyCarHome.co.uk is working with the graduate internship scheme managed by De Montfort University in the East Midlands. The University has successfully placed 58 graduates through the scheme since it began June 2009.
Coordinator Lisa Naik, encourages students to take part, ‘ The internship programme is an excellent opportunity for recent graduates to gain paid experience of graduate level jobs and for companies to benefit from the knowledge and skills of graduates allowing them to drive their business forward’.
DriveMyCarHome.co.uk is looking for a range of graduates for internships and work experience, who can offer a wide variety of skills from website development and graphic design to marketing and welcomes enquiries from talented graduates wishing to get a start their career.
For vacancy details or for more information please visit www.DriveMyCarHome.co.uk or email info@DriveMyCarHome.co.uk.
For details of graduate internships currently available at De Montfort University please contact Lisa Naik at lnaik@dmu.ac.uk
Owner Vimal Chaun wants to give all graduates the opportunity to succeed, “I was lucky enough to be employed fairly quickly after I graduated in the late 90’s, but saw many friends with degrees struggling to secure employment even though they had the qualifications because they lacked relevant experience. “
In an article written by the BBC, The Association of Graduate Recruiters says there are more graduates chasing fewer jobs - with vacancies down by 7%. Applications have also risen dramatically, with a reported average of 69 people applying to each graduate job advertised.
DriveMyCarHome.co.uk is striving to help and is calling for graduates of all grades to apply and bring a fresh and dynamic element to its workforce by working together with De Montfort University to help graduates get experience.
Media studies student, Marie Gretton, graduated from De Montfort University two years ago, achieved a 2:1 yet still found it a struggle to find work, “Since leaving university I’ve found it very hard to get a job relevant to my degree. Most companies ask for lots of experience and yet are not willing to give you the chance to get it. Drivemycarhome.co.uk has given me the opportunity to put my degree to good use.”
DriveMyCarHome.co.uk is a relatively new local business that wants to help reduce the number of drink-driving occurrences in Leicestershire by providing a safe and convenient ‘DriveMyCarHome’ service.
People who have had an alcoholic drink and do not want to leave their car parked unattended overnight away from the home can call on the company for help. A fully insured driver arrives on a unique foldable moped to collect the customer; the moped is folded up, placed into a protective back and then placed into the customer’s car boot.
The company driver then drives the customer home in their own vehicle. Once home, the moped is unfolded again and then driven away. The service provides the convenience of the car being parked outside the customer’s home ready for use the next day as well as helping to ensure people don’t drink and drive.
Having seen the difficulties graduates face when trying to find a job first hand, the director of the company, Vimal Chauhan, wants to help students get a foot on the ladder to kick-start successful careers of their own.
He said: “It’s even harder for students now with the current downturn with so many experienced people unemployed and looking work, and so graduates with very little or no experience are not getting that first step to employment in the real world.”
DriveMyCarHome.co.uk is working with the graduate internship scheme managed by De Montfort University in the East Midlands. The University has successfully placed 58 graduates through the scheme since it began June 2009.
Coordinator Lisa Naik, encourages students to take part, ‘ The internship programme is an excellent opportunity for recent graduates to gain paid experience of graduate level jobs and for companies to benefit from the knowledge and skills of graduates allowing them to drive their business forward’.
DriveMyCarHome.co.uk is looking for a range of graduates for internships and work experience, who can offer a wide variety of skills from website development and graphic design to marketing and welcomes enquiries from talented graduates wishing to get a start their career.
For vacancy details or for more information please visit www.DriveMyCarHome.co.uk or email info@DriveMyCarHome.co.uk.
For details of graduate internships currently available at De Montfort University please contact Lisa Naik at lnaik@dmu.ac.uk
Monday, 5 July 2010
Tip-off led officers to drink-driver
An article posted on the Leicester Mercury’s website details the arrest of a drink driver in Leicester recently.
According to the Leicester Mercury police lay in wait for drink-driver Nigel Jacobs when he pulled out of a pub car park.
Reportedly the officers had been tipped off that he had been drinking and was about to get behind the wheel.
A court heard officers followed Jacobs from the car park of the Greyhound pub, in Great Glen. He was stopped after a short distance as Jacobs' car was swerving across the A6 near the village.
Prosecutor Morag Lawrie told Harborough magistrates that Jacobs failed a roadside breath test.A second test at a police station revealed an alcohol level of 133mg per 100mls of breath. The legal limit is 35mg.
Jacobs (48), of Bramall Road, off Uppingham Road, Leicester, pleaded guilty to driving while over the legal alcohol limit on June 9.
He was banned from driving for three years.
Jacobs said he had started drinking after his wife died in September last year. He was also placed on a two-year community order with the condition of attending a drink impaired driver's programme.
According to the Leicester Mercury police lay in wait for drink-driver Nigel Jacobs when he pulled out of a pub car park.
Reportedly the officers had been tipped off that he had been drinking and was about to get behind the wheel.
A court heard officers followed Jacobs from the car park of the Greyhound pub, in Great Glen. He was stopped after a short distance as Jacobs' car was swerving across the A6 near the village.
Prosecutor Morag Lawrie told Harborough magistrates that Jacobs failed a roadside breath test.A second test at a police station revealed an alcohol level of 133mg per 100mls of breath. The legal limit is 35mg.
Jacobs (48), of Bramall Road, off Uppingham Road, Leicester, pleaded guilty to driving while over the legal alcohol limit on June 9.
He was banned from driving for three years.
Jacobs said he had started drinking after his wife died in September last year. He was also placed on a two-year community order with the condition of attending a drink impaired driver's programme.
Thursday, 1 July 2010
Drivers in drink limit slash plea
The common majority of motorists are backing moves to slash Britain's drink-drive limit despite claims by the Mirror newspaper that 40% don't know when they've reached the limit.
Legal expert Sir Peter North this month told transport ministers that a cut would save hundreds of lives.
According to the Mirror a RAC report shows 87% of motorists support a reduction - up from 50% last year. Yet only two in five know the drink-drive limit is 80mg of alcohol in 100ml of blood and half of women drivers are "unsure".
Despite this, 93% of female and 76% of male drivers support Sir Peter's call for a 50mg limit. And 46% want to see a total ban on drinkdriving, up from 35% in 2009.
It said: "Motorists' biggest concerns were people driving under the influence of drink or drugs, followed by using a mobile phone without a hands-free kit and driving without tax or insurance.''
The survey also revealed half of drivers aged 25 to 44 - along with 44% of older drivers want the over-70s to undergo regular tests.
Legal expert Sir Peter North this month told transport ministers that a cut would save hundreds of lives.
According to the Mirror a RAC report shows 87% of motorists support a reduction - up from 50% last year. Yet only two in five know the drink-drive limit is 80mg of alcohol in 100ml of blood and half of women drivers are "unsure".
Despite this, 93% of female and 76% of male drivers support Sir Peter's call for a 50mg limit. And 46% want to see a total ban on drinkdriving, up from 35% in 2009.
It said: "Motorists' biggest concerns were people driving under the influence of drink or drugs, followed by using a mobile phone without a hands-free kit and driving without tax or insurance.''
The survey also revealed half of drivers aged 25 to 44 - along with 44% of older drivers want the over-70s to undergo regular tests.
Wednesday, 30 June 2010
British Students killed in suspected drink-drive accident in US
The report that follows was taken from the BBC news website. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/hereford_and_worcester/10432023.stm
Two british students have been killed in america by a drink driver. The students had been working at a summer camp at Warrensburg Two British students have been killed in a suspected drink-drive accident in the US.
Dominic Hartley, from Bredon, Worcestershire and Emily Lewis from Aberdeen were hit by a car in New York state last Thursday night.
The 21-year-olds had been working at a summer camp in in Warrensburg. A third Briton was injured.
Car driver, Peter Goldblatt, 39, has been charged with drink-driving and aggravated vehicular homicide.
Popular student
The three Britons were among a group of seven people standing at a road side when they were hit, New York state police said.
Mr Hartley had just completed the first year of an HND in water sports at Swansea Metropolitan University.
A university spokesman said: "We are deeply shocked by this tragic accident as Dom was a very talented student who was dedicated to watersports and adventure activities.
"He was very popular with the student group and made a marked impression on university life and will be much missed by students and tutors alike. Our hearts go out to his family and friends."
Two british students have been killed in america by a drink driver. The students had been working at a summer camp at Warrensburg Two British students have been killed in a suspected drink-drive accident in the US.
Dominic Hartley, from Bredon, Worcestershire and Emily Lewis from Aberdeen were hit by a car in New York state last Thursday night.
The 21-year-olds had been working at a summer camp in in Warrensburg. A third Briton was injured.
Car driver, Peter Goldblatt, 39, has been charged with drink-driving and aggravated vehicular homicide.
Popular student
The three Britons were among a group of seven people standing at a road side when they were hit, New York state police said.
Mr Hartley had just completed the first year of an HND in water sports at Swansea Metropolitan University.
A university spokesman said: "We are deeply shocked by this tragic accident as Dom was a very talented student who was dedicated to watersports and adventure activities.
"He was very popular with the student group and made a marked impression on university life and will be much missed by students and tutors alike. Our hearts go out to his family and friends."
Thursday, 17 June 2010
Media reports on lowering the drink driving divide public opinion.
Media reports on lowering the drink driving limit seem to have the general public divided. In responses posted on the newspapers website the general opinion seems to be divided into two camps. Those who call for a full ban on drink driving and a lower limit and those who think the ban could be a large blow to civil liberties with the introduction of random breathalysing.
A major report has called for ministers to introduce one of the toughest drink- driving regimes in Europe.
It proposes slashing the legal limit of 80mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood to 50mg and for police to carry out random breath tests.
The news story prompted over 300 comments on the daily mails website.
A single alcoholic drink triples a driver's risk of dying in a vehicle crash, according to a review of research into drink-drive limits published yesterday.
One small beer or glass of wine is enough to lift a driver's alcohol level by up to 50 micrograms per 100ml of blood, the new drink-drive limit proposed by Sir Peter North in a report yesterday. Even at that low level, the chances of a fatal accident are three times higher than in a driver who has drunk no alcohol.
Comments on the Sky News website included:
“Drinking and driving should be illegal. End of. There should be no alcohol in the blood stream when driving. The guide lines are silly because people have different body mass and tolerance levels. So for the sake of parity there should be a complete ban.”
“Here we go again...this is not about saving lives but is governments way of making more money...I totally feel that you should not drink and drive at all, but if you’re caught drink driving and are over the limit the most you get is a ban for a few months to a year or so and a fine...and a lot of these people that are banned (and not only for drink driving I must add) still then drive illegally and if they get caught again what happens...another ban on top of the ban they already have...get to grips the first ban didn’t stop them so what use is adding to it. My partner and I take it in turns when we go out...one of us drinks and the other one doesn’t drink and drives, but if we both want a drink we use cabs or public transport...simple as that.”
The debate around the subject still continues and the affects of lowering the limit on local businesses such as rural pubs and customers remain to be seen.
A major report has called for ministers to introduce one of the toughest drink- driving regimes in Europe.
It proposes slashing the legal limit of 80mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood to 50mg and for police to carry out random breath tests.
The news story prompted over 300 comments on the daily mails website.
A single alcoholic drink triples a driver's risk of dying in a vehicle crash, according to a review of research into drink-drive limits published yesterday.
One small beer or glass of wine is enough to lift a driver's alcohol level by up to 50 micrograms per 100ml of blood, the new drink-drive limit proposed by Sir Peter North in a report yesterday. Even at that low level, the chances of a fatal accident are three times higher than in a driver who has drunk no alcohol.
Comments on the Sky News website included:
“Drinking and driving should be illegal. End of. There should be no alcohol in the blood stream when driving. The guide lines are silly because people have different body mass and tolerance levels. So for the sake of parity there should be a complete ban.”
“Here we go again...this is not about saving lives but is governments way of making more money...I totally feel that you should not drink and drive at all, but if you’re caught drink driving and are over the limit the most you get is a ban for a few months to a year or so and a fine...and a lot of these people that are banned (and not only for drink driving I must add) still then drive illegally and if they get caught again what happens...another ban on top of the ban they already have...get to grips the first ban didn’t stop them so what use is adding to it. My partner and I take it in turns when we go out...one of us drinks and the other one doesn’t drink and drives, but if we both want a drink we use cabs or public transport...simple as that.”
The debate around the subject still continues and the affects of lowering the limit on local businesses such as rural pubs and customers remain to be seen.
Wednesday, 16 June 2010
Drink drive limit to be lowered under new plans
A new Whitehall report due to be published is calling for the drink-drive limit to be halved and random breath testing to be introduced in an effort to tackle alcohol-related road accidents.
The report, released later today, calls for drastic changes. The study, commissioned by the former government, is expected to propose changes to lower the drink-drive limit from 80mg of alcohol per 100ml to 50mg - as it is with most of Europe.
It suggests that more than 150 lives a year could be saved by cutting the current limit.Combined with the current mandatory 12-month ban, it would give the UK one of the toughest regimes in Europe.
It is thought Sir Peter North, who led the research, will recommend that novice drivers have an alcohol limit of just 20mg and drivers be refused the right to demand a second breathalyser test at a police station according to reports from the BBC.
The number of drink-drive related fatalities has been significantly reduced in the last 30 years due to government campaigns and police crackdowns.
In 1979 1,640 people were killed in accidents caused by alcohol, but in 2007 the figure had dropped to 410.
The police argue that any amount of alcohol can affect a person's ability to drive. So they have a simple solution to the "how much can I drink?" question.
Speaking to the BBC’s website Pc Jon Lansley, a traffic officer with Hampshire Police, suggests the answer is simply do not drink anything and drive.
Pc Lansley said: "Make sure you have a designated driver - whether that be a friend or a taxi to get you home.
"The last thing I want is to have myself or a colleague pull you over. You'll be arrested, you're likely to go to court, it will change your life.
"You're going to lose your licence for 12 months, at a minimum. You're looking at loss of job, possible loss of family as a result of what's happened."
The review has also looked at how to address the problem of driving under the influence of drugs.
The report, released later today, calls for drastic changes. The study, commissioned by the former government, is expected to propose changes to lower the drink-drive limit from 80mg of alcohol per 100ml to 50mg - as it is with most of Europe.
It suggests that more than 150 lives a year could be saved by cutting the current limit.Combined with the current mandatory 12-month ban, it would give the UK one of the toughest regimes in Europe.
It is thought Sir Peter North, who led the research, will recommend that novice drivers have an alcohol limit of just 20mg and drivers be refused the right to demand a second breathalyser test at a police station according to reports from the BBC.
The number of drink-drive related fatalities has been significantly reduced in the last 30 years due to government campaigns and police crackdowns.
In 1979 1,640 people were killed in accidents caused by alcohol, but in 2007 the figure had dropped to 410.
The police argue that any amount of alcohol can affect a person's ability to drive. So they have a simple solution to the "how much can I drink?" question.
Speaking to the BBC’s website Pc Jon Lansley, a traffic officer with Hampshire Police, suggests the answer is simply do not drink anything and drive.
Pc Lansley said: "Make sure you have a designated driver - whether that be a friend or a taxi to get you home.
"The last thing I want is to have myself or a colleague pull you over. You'll be arrested, you're likely to go to court, it will change your life.
"You're going to lose your licence for 12 months, at a minimum. You're looking at loss of job, possible loss of family as a result of what's happened."
The review has also looked at how to address the problem of driving under the influence of drugs.
Tuesday, 15 June 2010
New government - and alcohol policy
Alcohol concern reports the following:
Front cover of reportThe new government coalition is proposing a number of actions relating to alcohol – including banning the sale of alcohol below cost price, reviewing alcohol taxation and pricing, overhauling the Licensing Act and allowing local authorities to shut down permanently any shop or bar found to be persistently selling alcohol to children. Details in the Coalition’s Programme for Government.
For more details please visit: http://programmeforgovernment.hmg.gov.uk/crime-and-policing/?dm_i=4OQ,4DY1,15YDYO,FUQO,1
Front cover of reportThe new government coalition is proposing a number of actions relating to alcohol – including banning the sale of alcohol below cost price, reviewing alcohol taxation and pricing, overhauling the Licensing Act and allowing local authorities to shut down permanently any shop or bar found to be persistently selling alcohol to children. Details in the Coalition’s Programme for Government.
For more details please visit: http://programmeforgovernment.hmg.gov.uk/crime-and-policing/?dm_i=4OQ,4DY1,15YDYO,FUQO,1
Monday, 14 June 2010
Paul Gascoigne recovering in hospital following car accident
Paul Gascoigne is reported to be in a "comfortable" condition after being involved in a car accident last night according to various media reports.
The accident, involving a Vauxhall Astra, is reported to have happened at about 9.45pm, on the city's Quayside. The car, in which 43-year-old Gascoigne was a passenger, is believed to have left the road before hitting a lamppost next to Newcastle's historic Guildhall, close to the Tyne Bridge.
A Northumbria police spokesman told the Guardian newspaper: "For reasons yet to be established, the car left the road and collided with a lamppost. A female driver and two male passengers were taken to hospital with injuries which were not described as life-threatening.”
"The condition of the two men in hospital has been described as serious but not life-threatening. The woman has been discharged."
A 36-year-old woman has been arrested on suspicion of drink-driving and bailed pending further inquiries.
The accident, involving a Vauxhall Astra, is reported to have happened at about 9.45pm, on the city's Quayside. The car, in which 43-year-old Gascoigne was a passenger, is believed to have left the road before hitting a lamppost next to Newcastle's historic Guildhall, close to the Tyne Bridge.
A Northumbria police spokesman told the Guardian newspaper: "For reasons yet to be established, the car left the road and collided with a lamppost. A female driver and two male passengers were taken to hospital with injuries which were not described as life-threatening.”
"The condition of the two men in hospital has been described as serious but not life-threatening. The woman has been discharged."
A 36-year-old woman has been arrested on suspicion of drink-driving and bailed pending further inquiries.
Tuesday, 8 June 2010
Drink Driving arrests now total 27 in effort to stem drink driving dangers around the World Cup
Leicestershire Police are urging people to look out for each other and “make drink driving unacceptable in your family".
Police are calling for families to look after each other by agreeing that drinking and driving is unacceptable. The total number of people arrested has risen to 27 since the beginning of the campaign following positive breath and field impairment drug tests on drivers on the roads of Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.
Speaking on the Leicestershire Police website, Chief Inspector Nick Glynn said: “Sadly there’s still a hard core of drinkers who insist on taking a risk with their own and other people’s lives. We all can do our bit to keep the roads safe through the summer and talk to the people who are closest to us to underline that drinking and driving is dangerous and unacceptable.
He also added, “We want everybody to enjoy themselves, support England through the World Cup, and ensure that if they’re having a drink, they make the right choices to get home by public transport, taxi or designated driver.”
The Leicestershire Road Safety Partnership campaign runs from June 1, 2010 until Wednesday June 30, 2010. The Partnership is requesting that communities keep their eyes and ears open this summer, appealing to them to make a note of the registration plate and the direction of travel and call the police on 0116 222 2222 if they see a person who appears to be drunk, leave a premises and then enter a vehicle to drive away.
Please support the Leicestershire police and their targets and hopefully we can make Leicester roads safer.
For more information visit: www.leics.police.uk
Police are calling for families to look after each other by agreeing that drinking and driving is unacceptable. The total number of people arrested has risen to 27 since the beginning of the campaign following positive breath and field impairment drug tests on drivers on the roads of Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.
Speaking on the Leicestershire Police website, Chief Inspector Nick Glynn said: “Sadly there’s still a hard core of drinkers who insist on taking a risk with their own and other people’s lives. We all can do our bit to keep the roads safe through the summer and talk to the people who are closest to us to underline that drinking and driving is dangerous and unacceptable.
He also added, “We want everybody to enjoy themselves, support England through the World Cup, and ensure that if they’re having a drink, they make the right choices to get home by public transport, taxi or designated driver.”
The Leicestershire Road Safety Partnership campaign runs from June 1, 2010 until Wednesday June 30, 2010. The Partnership is requesting that communities keep their eyes and ears open this summer, appealing to them to make a note of the registration plate and the direction of travel and call the police on 0116 222 2222 if they see a person who appears to be drunk, leave a premises and then enter a vehicle to drive away.
Please support the Leicestershire police and their targets and hopefully we can make Leicester roads safer.
For more information visit: www.leics.police.uk
Wednesday, 2 June 2010
Health watchdog NICE calls for minimum alcohol pricing
A minimum price should be set for alcohol to combat Britain's binge drinking epidemic, an NHS's watchdog has recommended.
Amid a sea of media attention surrounding the debate, the guidance body has recommended a multitude of measures that include a proposed ban on advertising and making alcohol less easy to buy by raising the minimum prices.
Other potential measures could include cutting how much holidaymakers are allowed to bring into the country from abroad and reducing the number of shops selling alcohol, as well as the days and hours it can be bought according to the BBCs website.
The advice comes from the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (aka NICE) - the Government's health advisory body – and is the strongest call yet for action in the ever growing storm surrounding the UKs alcohol regulations and drinking problems.
So far the coalition government agrees that alcohol misuse is a problem, but does not support a minimum price action being taken.
The idea does however have strong backing from doctors and health campaigners, and the Scottish government is already trying to introduce a minimum price.
Speaking to the BBC on the subject, Dr Robin Purshouse, of Sheffield University, who did research on alcohol pricing for the Scottish Government, estimated that a minimum price on every unit of 40 pence would result in about 1,000 fewer premature deaths a year, about 40,000 fewer hospital admissions a year, and about 10,000 fewer violent crimes and criminal damage incidents per year.
Dr Purshouse told the BBC, "There's a wide range of factors that relate to people's alcohol consumption, but price is widely recognised as one of the greatest levers,"
"And if you look at the prices people pay, then the people who drink the most tend to pay less for the alcohol that they purchase."
Amid a sea of media attention surrounding the debate, the guidance body has recommended a multitude of measures that include a proposed ban on advertising and making alcohol less easy to buy by raising the minimum prices.
Other potential measures could include cutting how much holidaymakers are allowed to bring into the country from abroad and reducing the number of shops selling alcohol, as well as the days and hours it can be bought according to the BBCs website.
The advice comes from the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (aka NICE) - the Government's health advisory body – and is the strongest call yet for action in the ever growing storm surrounding the UKs alcohol regulations and drinking problems.
So far the coalition government agrees that alcohol misuse is a problem, but does not support a minimum price action being taken.
The idea does however have strong backing from doctors and health campaigners, and the Scottish government is already trying to introduce a minimum price.
Speaking to the BBC on the subject, Dr Robin Purshouse, of Sheffield University, who did research on alcohol pricing for the Scottish Government, estimated that a minimum price on every unit of 40 pence would result in about 1,000 fewer premature deaths a year, about 40,000 fewer hospital admissions a year, and about 10,000 fewer violent crimes and criminal damage incidents per year.
Dr Purshouse told the BBC, "There's a wide range of factors that relate to people's alcohol consumption, but price is widely recognised as one of the greatest levers,"
"And if you look at the prices people pay, then the people who drink the most tend to pay less for the alcohol that they purchase."
Tuesday, 1 June 2010
Leicester police launch campaign to combat drink driving
Police today launched a World Cup-themed campaign to warn people of the consequences of drinking and driving.
Officers are concerned that the combination of barbecue season and world cup celebrations could increase the likelihood of drink driving offences.
The Don't let the Side Down campaign was due to be launched at Leicestershire police headquarters in Enderby today.
Speaking to the Leicester Mercury, Chief Inspector Nick Glynn, of Leicestershire police's operations department, said: "Everybody knows the dangers of drinking and driving, whether it's after a family barbecue, a football match or driving to fetch more alcohol at half time when you have already had an alcoholic drink.
"Your reactions are impaired, increasing chance of a death or injury in a road traffic collision.
Driving or attempting to drive whilst above the legal limit or unfit through drink carries a maximum penalty of 6 months' imprisonment, a fine of up to £5,000 and a minimum 12 months driving ban.
DriveMyCarHome.co.uk offers a unique service that seeks to help people avoid the trap of drink driving. We can drive you home in your own car after a night of celebrations safely and efficiently. Please visit http://www.drivemycarhome.co.uk/ for more information on our service and pricing.
The Don’t let the Side Down campaign is run by the Leicestershire Road Safety Partnership.
Information about people who drink and drive can be passed to police on 0116 222 2222 or, anonymously, to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111
Officers are concerned that the combination of barbecue season and world cup celebrations could increase the likelihood of drink driving offences.
The Don't let the Side Down campaign was due to be launched at Leicestershire police headquarters in Enderby today.
Speaking to the Leicester Mercury, Chief Inspector Nick Glynn, of Leicestershire police's operations department, said: "Everybody knows the dangers of drinking and driving, whether it's after a family barbecue, a football match or driving to fetch more alcohol at half time when you have already had an alcoholic drink.
"Your reactions are impaired, increasing chance of a death or injury in a road traffic collision.
Driving or attempting to drive whilst above the legal limit or unfit through drink carries a maximum penalty of 6 months' imprisonment, a fine of up to £5,000 and a minimum 12 months driving ban.
DriveMyCarHome.co.uk offers a unique service that seeks to help people avoid the trap of drink driving. We can drive you home in your own car after a night of celebrations safely and efficiently. Please visit http://www.drivemycarhome.co.uk/ for more information on our service and pricing.
The Don’t let the Side Down campaign is run by the Leicestershire Road Safety Partnership.
Information about people who drink and drive can be passed to police on 0116 222 2222 or, anonymously, to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111
Thursday, 27 May 2010
DriveMyCarHome.co.uk Needs YOU! to vote for us!
Voting is still open for the Barclays One Small Step competition. If you havent already voted, please go to https://www.takeonesmallstep.co.uk/Entry/View/5404/Page/3 and cast your vote in support of DriveMyCarHome.co.uk!
Thank you for the support!
Thank you for the support!
Monday, 17 May 2010
Leicester Tigers set for Twickenham!
DriveMyCarHome.co.uk is an approved transport provider for Leicester Tigers events and conferences - www.leicestertigers.com/conference/transport.php
As an approved supporter we want to say a big well done to the Leicester Tigers earned their place in the Guinness Premiership final with a 15-6 win over Bath at Welford Road yesterday. Points came from penalties with Toby Flood kicking five for Tigers.
In the final at Twickenham on Saturday, May 29, Tigers will face Saracens, who beat Northampton 21-19 in the other semi-final.
DriveMyCarHome.co.uk would also like to say a fond farewell to Lewis Moody, who will be leaving Tigers to transfer to Bath.
Everyone wishes you well!
As an approved supporter we want to say a big well done to the Leicester Tigers earned their place in the Guinness Premiership final with a 15-6 win over Bath at Welford Road yesterday. Points came from penalties with Toby Flood kicking five for Tigers.
In the final at Twickenham on Saturday, May 29, Tigers will face Saracens, who beat Northampton 21-19 in the other semi-final.
DriveMyCarHome.co.uk would also like to say a fond farewell to Lewis Moody, who will be leaving Tigers to transfer to Bath.
Everyone wishes you well!
Friday, 14 May 2010
Major fall in deaths on Leicestershire roads
According to a news report on east midlands today, the number of people killed on Leicestershire's roads fell by more than a third in one year, county council figures show.
Newly released information from Leicestershire County Council shows there were 56 deaths in 2008, a figure which dropped to 36 in 2009.
Officials believe the improvements to signs and roads have been a major contribution to the fall in deaths. The council have commented that they are still working on improving road safety further.
A spokesperson told the BBC: "This is the lowest number of people killed on Leicestershire's roads since the late 1970s.
"But there are still too many lives lost and families devastated through road crashes and we must not be complacent."
DriveMyCarHome.co.uk service aims to help reduce drink driving and the accidents and fatalities it causes. We hope that our service can help keep these figures down.
For more information and pricing details please visit: DriveMyCarHome.co.uk
Newly released information from Leicestershire County Council shows there were 56 deaths in 2008, a figure which dropped to 36 in 2009.
Officials believe the improvements to signs and roads have been a major contribution to the fall in deaths. The council have commented that they are still working on improving road safety further.
A spokesperson told the BBC: "This is the lowest number of people killed on Leicestershire's roads since the late 1970s.
"But there are still too many lives lost and families devastated through road crashes and we must not be complacent."
DriveMyCarHome.co.uk service aims to help reduce drink driving and the accidents and fatalities it causes. We hope that our service can help keep these figures down.
For more information and pricing details please visit: DriveMyCarHome.co.uk
DriveMyCarHome.co.uk Needs YOU! to vote for us!
DriveMyCarhome.co.uk is Leicester's first company to offer a unique and convenient anti-drink driving servive to drive you and your car home safely after having a few alcoholic drinks.
Because our service is so unique and has the potential to help reduce drink driving occurrences in our region, we think it deserves accreditation and support from Barclays, and we need your support to help us achieve this.
DriveMyCarHome.co.uk uses fully insured chauffeurs that arrive on unique foldable moped and chauffeur drive you home in your own car. The next day you wake up with the convenience of your car safely at home, without the hassle of collecting it from wherever you left it.
In Leicestershire alone, there are on average over 100 people per month convicted of drink-driving. Please help DriveMyCarHome.co.uk shrink this figure.
It only takes about 30 seconds to show your support and write a quick comment. We really want to get the business the recognition it deserves and potentially start to help reduce the number of drink drivers on our roads.
If you could also forward this message to your friends and ask them to vote then that gesture would be gratefully appreciated.
Cast your vote or leave a suggestion at https://www.takeonesmallstep.co.uk/Entry/View/5404
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