Drink-driver caught after he was spotted without lights on

A motorist who was stopped by police after he was spotted driving without his lights on was found to have been drink-driving.
Chesterfield magistrates' court.Chesterfield magistrates' court.
Chesterfield magistrates' court.

Chesterfield magistrates’ court heard on Tuesday, February 28, how Daniel Smith, 22, of Brook Street, Clay Cross, had been seen by police on Chatsworth Road heading towards Holymoorside without his headlights on.

Prosecuting solicitor Becky Allsop said Smith was stopped on Somersall Lane, at Somersall, and he initially claimed he had not been drinking but he was given a roadside breath test after police said his speech was slurred and they could smell alcohol.

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Smith pleaded guilty to exceeding the alcohol drink-drive limit after the incident on February 12.

Following a breath test he registered 54microgrammes of alcohol in 100millilitres of breath when the legal limit is 35microgrammes.

The defendant said that if he loses his driving licence it would create travel difficulties and he will have to rent a place closer to work.

Magistrates banned Smith from driving for 12 months but if he completes a drink-drive rehabilitation course the ban could be reduced by three months.

Smith was also ordered to pay £85 costs, a £245 fine and a £30 victim surcharge.