Telford drink-driver caught for third time in 10 years
A disqualified Telford motorist has been given a suspended jail sentence and his road ban renewed for five years after again being caught drink-driving.
Michael Colin Crook was caught after driving to Kidderminster to make a family visit on February 25 this year.
In 2017 Crook was banned for three years for a similar offence.
In the latest offence, he was stopped by police and was found to have 41 microgrammes of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath. The limit is 35.
He was sentenced this week after admitting drink-driving while disqualified and without insurance.
Telford Magistrates Court heard that it is the third time in the last 10 years he has been convicted of drink-driving.
Foolishly
Crook, 51, of Shawfield Close in Sutton Hill, is forbidden from driving for the next five years and was also given a four-month suspended jail sentence.
Representing Crook, Clare Stephens said that he had received a phone call from his daughter who asked him to visit.
She said that though he initially refused, he "foolishly" relented and took his Fiat to see her.
Ms Stephens said: "She had been in hospital for quite some time and he had been visiting her for some time with the help of others.
"He is remorseful, he knows it was a foolish decision to take himself to Kidderminster that day.
"He is willing to engage with probation on whichever requirements they were to propose."
Chairman of the bench Mr Steven O'Hara said: "This is your third drink-driving offence in a 10-year period.
"On this occasion you were already disqualified from driving. You drove a significant distance and in our view there is potential for great harm as a result of that.
"On the way you stopped to consume more alcohol. If you had not pleaded guilty you would have faced an immediate custodial sentence."
Prison
Crook was given two concurrent four-month suspended sentences for driving without insurance and drink-driving, and for the lack of insurance his licence was endorsed. The jail sentence is suspended for one year.
He must also complete a drink-impaired drivers programme and 30 rehabilitation activity requirement days, and he was made subject to a curfew.
He must stay indoors between 7pm and 7am for 60 days.
Mr O'Hara said: "If you break any of the requirements you can expect to serve this prison sentence.
"We hope that the drink-drivers programme will help you to change your behaviour."
