Derbyshire driver who drank six cans of lager caught by police in Notts car park

Ian Hatcroft had pulled his car into a carpark on Coxmoor Road, Kirkby, on November 25 last year, Nottingham Magistrates’ Court was told on Tuesday, January 12.

The court heard that the 45-year-old, of Hilton Park Drive, Leabrooks, Alfreton, had been sober when he arrived at the carpark and had intended to sleep in his car.

But when a police car pulled into the same carpark to see what he was doing, Hatcroft reversed his vehicle around one metre to see who it was.

But by this time he had consumed around six cans of lager and was over the limit, said Emma Price, prosecuting.When tested, Hatcroft blew 41mg of alcohol to 100ml of breath, when the legal limit is 35mg.

Hatcroft, who has a previous driving ban from 2008, admitted drink driving when he appeared before the court.

Mitigating, Andrew Bevan said that Hatcroft had split up with his wife and was sleeping on his mother’s sofa, and had gone to the carpark to be on his own.

He told the court: “He entered the carpark and had not consumed any alcohol at that time. While he was there he drank six cans of lager and had no intention of driving.

“He noticed that there was a car pulling in and reversed about a metre to see who it was.

"He has a previous conviction for the same offence dating back to 2008 and he accepts that he drove a very short distance.”

He added that Hatcroft worked shifts at Denby Pottery and would lose his job as a result of the driving ban because his employers would not change his shift pattern. He also played a significant role in getting his three children to school.

Magistrates banned him from driving for 12 months, but offered him a drink drive awareness course, which would reduce the disqualification by three months if completed by August.

He was also fined £219 and ordered to pay £85 in prosecution costs and a £34 victim surcharge.

Editor’s message: In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.