Yahoo News Accountant caught drink-driving for second time in two years after car breaks down
An accountant was caught drink-driving for the second time in two years after his car broke down on the side of a busy road.
William Humpleby had only had his licence back for three months when he decided to get behind the wheel of his Volvo whilst under the influence of booze and drive from his home in North Yorkshire to see his girlfriend in the North East. A court heard that the 36-year-old's vehicle broke down on the side of the A1, in the Denton area of Newcastle, and he was spotted by a passing police officer.
The constable noticed that Humpleby appeared drunk and arrested him after he failed a roadside breath test. Humpleby, of Osmotherly, near Northallerton, in North Yorkshire, is now facing a possible prison sentence after he pleaded guilty to driving with excess alcohol - his second conviction for the same offence in two years.
READ MORE: Renowned crook with staggering 363 offences on record fined for verbally abusing Eldon Square staff
READ MORE: Former County Durham head teacher avoids teaching ban after going for swim while working from home
Paul Coulson, prosecuting at Newcastle Magistrates' Court, said a police officer was travelling on the A1 northbound at around 9pm on December 16 last year when he noticed Humpleby's stationary vehicle. Mr Coulson added: "The officer saw a male, this defendant, get out the front driver's seat. He was the only occupant of the vehicle.
"The officer approached and noticed the defendant smelled of intoxicating liquor and was unsteady on his feet. The officer suspected he was intoxicated, so performed a roadside breath test."
The court heard that Humpleby failed the test and later gave a reading of 103mcg of alcohol in 100ml of breath when the legal limit is 35mcg. Magistrates were also told that Humpleby had only recently got his licence back having been banned from the roads for 18 months in March 2023 for drink-driving.
Denise Jackman, defending, said Humpleby had a lot of problems. She added: "It's clear from speaking to him that he has quite serious mental health problems and a problem with alcohol. He's taking steps himself to address that."
Magistrates adjourned the case for the preparation of a pre-sentence report and released Humpleby on unconditional bail to next appear at York Magistrates' Court on February 6.
