A teacher admitted having five pints of Stella before getting behind the wheel at a Northumberland football club.
Connor Smith was spotted by security getting into his BMW 1 Series in the car park at Ashington Community Football Club in the early hours of the morning and starting to reverse. A court heard, however, that the 28-year-old was prevented from leaving by security and the police were called.
Officers attended and spoke to Smith. He was arrested after failing a roadside breath test and later gave a reading of 109mcg of alcohol in 100ml of breath when the legal limit is just 35mcg.
Read More: Disgusting Tynemouth drunk smeared faeces over cell after being arrested for breaching the peace
Smith, of North Seaton Road, in Ashington, is now facing being banned from the roads after he pleaded guilty to driving with excess alcohol at South East Northumberland Magistrates' Court. He will, however, argue that, due to the shortness of distance he travelled, there are special reasons as to why he shouldn't be disqualified. A hearing to determine that argument will be heard on June 30, when Smith will also be sentenced.
Rehana Haque, prosecuting, said police were called to Ashington Community Football Club at around 12.15am on April 30 this year due to a suspected drink driver, who had been blocked from leaving in his silver BMW. Ms Haque added: "Security saw the BMW reverse and it came to a stop.
"After it had come to a stop, security had gone to the vehicle and requested the keys until police arrived. Police did arrive and spoke to the defendant and cautioned and arrested him. He was taken to a police station where the lowest breath reading he gave was 109mcg."
The court heard that, during interview, Smith admitted to having had five pints of Stella and claimed he had been moving his vehicle from the car park to a nearby residential street in order to avoid getting a parking ticket the following morning.
Graham Couth, defending, said Smith had been out socialising and hadn't intended to drive anywhere. He told magistrates: "He was concerned about getting a fine in the car park or if the club would close the gates to the car park, meaning he would not have his car until the Monday morning.
"His intention was to reverse the car out the car park and leave it on a residential street. It was late at night, there's no other road users around or pedestrians. For that reason, the shortness of distance travelled, he will be arguing special reasons."
Read Next
Sleeping man found with knife with 'AK-47' written on blade inside toilets at Newcastle Airport
Man facing jail after grabbing woman by the throat and dragging her by hair in Newcastle hotel room
Woman caused 'significant cut' when biting fellow reveller's ear during fight outside Newcastle bar
Suspect in court accused of robbing man of his car and its contents in Wallsend
'Intoxicated' Newcastle burglar was arrested after running out of petrol in stolen car
