Drink-driving dad claims solicitor partner would've stopped him had he been drunk

Alex Campbell arriving at North Staffordshire Justice Centre
-Credit: (Image: Reach Publishing Services Limited)


Dad-of-three Alex Campbell claimed his solicitor partner wouldn't let him get behind the wheel drunk - as he appeared in court for drink-driving. The 40-year-old was seen driving a vehicle in Dartmouth Avenue, Newcastle, at 11.30pm on June 26.

He was stopped and failed a roadside breath test. He was taken to custody where he was breathalysed and gave a reading of 114 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath, more than three times the legal limit of 35.

Two months later, on August 25, the police were informed Campbell was driving while heavily intoxicated in Newcastle town centre. An officer attended an address in Stoke-on-Trent and saw the vehicle park. She approached and smelt alcohol on the defendant.

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Prosecutor Suzanne Swindail told North Staffordshire Justice Centre: "His eyes were glazed and he was displaying irrational behaviour. After asking if he had been drinking, he declined to engage.

"The officer requested a roadside sample of breath. He refused to provide one. He became uncooperative and obstructive. She made numerous attempts to handcuff him but he tensed up and refused to comply. However, she managed to successfully detain him. He was arrested.

"He was taken to custody. He provided the name of Alex Sinclair James. It is the crown's case that was incorrect information.

"The defendant was given an opportunity to provide a sample of breath for analysis at the custody facility but he failed to comply."

The court heard Campbell has a previous conviction for drink-driving in 2020.

Campbell, of Chamberlain Avenue, Stoke, pleaded guilty to drink-driving; failing to provide a specimen of breath for analysis and obstructing a police officer in the execution of her duty.

Representing himself, Campbell said: "My son was in town. He called to say he was in trouble. I had been drinking at lunchtime but later on it was non-alcoholic. My partner is a solicitor. She would not let me get behind the wheel if I was drunk."

He said the drink-driving offence in June happened as he had gone to the area to commit suicide. He has since lost his job but has set up his own business.

Campbell added: "I have a new girlfriend. She is a solicitor. I apologise for it all. I do not feel depressed. I just feel something just snapped. It was a momentary lapse I think."

Magistrates sentenced Campbell to 12 weeks in jail, suspended for 12 months, with a rehabilitation activity requirement for 20 days. He was banned from driving for 50 months.

Magistrate Chris Rushton said: "You were in court less than four years ago for a similar offence. That should have been a salutary lesson learnt."

Campbell's ban will be reduced by 50 weeks if he completes a drink-drivers' rehabilitation course. He was fined £461 and ordered to pay £85 costs and a £154 surcharge.

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