A drink driving pensioner failed to learn his lesson after he was caught for the second time in four years.
John Cusack was first convicted of being behind the wheel while over the limit in 2018 and received a disqualification. But the 75-year-old proved he hadn't learned from past mistakes when his vehicle was seen swerving across the road in September this year and he was stopped again.
A court heard that Cusack once more failed a breath test and later admitted to having had a few pints at the British Legion Club earlier in the afternoon, a court heard. He was arrested and charged with driving with excess alcohol.
Read More: Semi-professional North Shields footballer appears in court over suspected pub brawl
The pensioner, of Whitgrave Road, in Blakelaw, has now been given the mandatory three-year ban after he appeared at Newcastle Magistrates' Court to plead guilty to the offence. He was also fined £150 and must pay £85 costs and a £60 victim surcharge.
District Judge Paul Currer told him: "It was 5.30pm and you had a reading of 55mcg. You shouldn't have been driving. You present a danger to yourself and others. Because of your previous conviction, I must impose the mandatory three-year driving ban."
The court heard that Cusack was travelling in his Peugeot along Cragston Avenue, in Blakelaw, when he came to the attention of passing police officers. Claire Armstrong, prosecuting, continued: "They saw the car swerving several times and making contact with the nearside curb. The car was stopped and the defendant was spoken to."
Cusack failed a roadside breath test and later gave a reading of 55mcg of alcohol in 100ml of breath when the legal limit is just 35mcg.
The court was told that Cusack had been out shopping on the day in question when he got a call to say someone he knew had died. He then went to the British Legion Club, where he had three pints, before getting behind the wheel to drive home. Steve Davis, defending, said: "He believed he was ok to drive. The journey from the club to his home is less than a mile."
Read Next
Denton Burn drink driver with shockingly high breath reading had smoke coming from his car
Driver high on amphetamine took police on chase through busy Gateshead roads
Gateshead thug struck and attempted to strangle partner in bed as she begged him to stop
Drunk dad exposed genitals and urinated in front of young boys in Eldon Square
Bunging burglar jumped from upstairs window when caught in act by police
