A health worker’s drink driving level was described as “off the scale” by a magistrate dealing with his case.
Police responding to a report of concern over the manner of Steven John Currie’s driving in a Kia EV6 found the vehicle had come to a natural stop in Westfield, Frosterley, in Weardale, at 2.35pm on August 14.
Peterlee magistrates heard that officers noted Currie’s eyes were glazed and he was slurring his words.
Adam James Scott, prosecuting, said Currie failed a roadside breathalyser and so gave two more formal samples when arrested and taken to a police station.
Currie, 53, of Belsay Close, Chester-le-Street, admitted driving with excess alcohol in his system.
Sarah Randles, in mitigation, told the court he was of previous good character, with no prior convictions.
She presented several character references to the court on behalf of the NHS worker.
Ms Randles acknowledged the case fell into the top category range for drink driving.
But she said: “This is a man who has reached his 50s without ever having stepped into a court room.
“This is an absolute anomaly in his life."
Ms Randles told the court: “It was one of those situations where he had been drinking earlier and then slept."
But, she added, the effects of the alcohol had not worn off.
“He has worked in the NHS all his life and he has a very responsible position.
“He’s mortified he put himself and other road users at risk.
“He’s still in employment but not at work at the moment due to ill-health.
“He comes from a very supportive family, who have a moral compass.
“He’s applied for a drink-drive rehabilitation course as a ‘belt and braces’ exercise and hopefully he won’t come back to court again.”
Magistrates’ chair John Oulton told Currie his drink driving was, “literally off the scale” at a level he has not come across as a JP.
“I don’t know what gave you the idea you thought you could seriously drive your car that day.
“You couldn’t possibly have thought that.
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“You could have gone to jail today, but as you have no previous offences we don’t think it would be the right decision.”
Currie was banned from driving for five years and fined £2,666.
He must also pay a £1,066 statutory surcharge and £85 costs, giving a total court bill of £3,817.
The magistrates ordered him to pay it at the rate of £1,000 per month, with a first payment in 28 days.
Mr Oulton added: “Don’t be tempted to drive during the disqualification.
“We appreciate you have issues, but alcohol is never the answer.”
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