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Derbyshire Times
Tuesday 23 August 2011
Published Tuesday 23 August 2011 10:52
A SHIREBROOK driver stopped by police for an insurance offence had drunk almost three times the legal limit.
A Ford Galaxy triggered an alert on a police car computer when the vehicles passed in Langwith Road on July 27.
Officers stopped the Galaxy and smelled alcohol on driver Colin Ashmore, who failed a roadside breathalyser test.
Chesterfield magistrates heard that Ashmore was arrested and went on to give a reading of 99mcgs of alcohol in 100mls of breath, the limit beig 35mcgs.
“He was drinking because he was coming off medication for depression,” said his solicitor, Matt Evans.
“He has severe nightmares and drink helps him to sleep.”
Mr Evans said Ashmore (42) was full-time carer for his father, who had serious health problems. He feared his father had suffered a heart attack and he drove to check if he was okay.
“He recently lost his job with the local council teaching children swimming and sports,” added Mr Evans.
Ashmore, of Leen Valley Drive, Shirebrook, admitted drink-driving and driving without insurance. He had no previous convictions.
Sentence was adjourned until Thursday (aug 25) for probation service reports and an interim driving ban was imposed.