Drink driver banned after causing three vehicle crash in Berwick

William Stitt, 23, of Sunnyside Mews in Tweedmouth, pleaded guilty to a drink driving charge when he appeared at Berwick court.

Magistrates heard the incident happened around 11.10pm on September 4 on Northumberland Road in Tweedmouth.

James Long, prosecuting, said: “There was stationary traffic and the defendant went into the back of a car which then shunted into the car in front. Officers spoke to the defendant and suspected he was under the influence.

"He had been driving home from The Thatch pub after a few pints of lager.”

A roadside breath test proved positive and he was taken into custody where he provided a sample of 84mg alc/100ml breath. The legal limit is 35mg.

Magistrates heard the defendant had been upset when told a former partner had begun a new relationship.

In defence, Brogan Shirreffs said: “He was upset and made the regrettable decision to begin travelling towards his home address behind the wheel of his vehicle. It was a very short distance and thankfully no-one was hurt.”

She added the defendant, a farm worker, was remorseful and embarrassed to be in court.

Chairman of magistrates Ben Humphrey said: “Drink driving is never acceptable, whatever the circumstances. The fact you were involved in a collision makes it more serious and it’s only by sheer luck that there were not more serious ramifications.”

The defendant was banned from driving for 18 months and ordered to pay a fine and costs totalling £1,261.