Man gets driving ban and community service for drunk driving after argument with wife during Christmas shopping.
When police arrived, they found a man slumped in the driver’s seat with the car’s ignition switched on. He was identified as the defendant.
Police struggled to wake him, eventually opening the car door. The man got out, appearing unsteady with glazed eyes, and smelling strongly of alcohol.
A breath test at the scene indicated alcohol consumption. At the station, a breath test revealed a reading of 112 micrograms of alcohol in his breath, significantly exceeding the legal limit.
Jegatheepan, 38, of Glover Street in Hanley, admitted to driving drunk and pleaded guilty in court.
His lawyer explained that an argument with his wife about shopping led him to drive away from the house. He parked, consumed alcohol, and subsequently fell asleep.
Being awakened by the police disoriented him, leading him to reverse the car slightly, which was considered driving. He is reportedly remorseful for his actions.
The court sentenced him to a year of community service, including rehabilitation and alcohol treatment. He also received a £40 fine, and is required to pay £85 in costs and a £114 surcharge. Successful completion of a driving course could reduce the ban by 26 weeks.