Drink-driver's bid to flee scene
A DRINK-DRIVER who tried to run away down a motorway embankment has been banned from the roads for three years.
Wakefield Magistrates' Court heard how Ashley Townend, 28, tried to flee on foot after police were called to Junction 42 of the M1 in the early hours of August 19.
Prosecutor Andy Wills told how Highways Agency officials earlier went to help a broken down vehicle. The car had run out of petrol and one of the passengers went with officials to get fuel.
But when they returned it was noted the driver, Townend, appeared to be under the influence of alcohol. The police were called.
Mr Wills added: "He tried to run away down the embankment of the motorway but was detained a short time later."
Townend, of Gargrave Place, Lupset, initially denied being the driver. A breath test revealed he had 55mcgs of alcohol in 100mls of breath. The legal limit is just 35mcgs.
But at court Townend admitted driving with excess alcohol, having no appropriate licence and no insurance.
The court heard how he was banned for 15 months in 2008 for a drink-drive offence.
Julie Allott, mitigating, said Townend had been at a party and two women needed a lift home. He didn't believe he had drunk enough to be over the limit.
District Judge Marie Mallon also fined Townend 100 and ordered him to pay 85 costs and the 15 victim surcharge.
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Friday 25 May 2012
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