Walker drink-driver went on wrong side of road and hit pavement - with kids in car

A Newcastle drink-driver travelled on the wrong side of the road and hit a pavement - all while children were in the back of his car. Emerson Viegas, who also had two deflated tyres, was caught after a concerned witness saw his bad driving and flagged down a police officer.

The 45-year-old was stopped a short distance away on Bath Street, in Walker, and it was noted that two children were inside the Vauxhall Corsa, a court heard. The Portuguese national, of Oxted Place, Walker, was arrested after failing a roadside breath test. He later gave a reading of 91mcg of alcohol in 100ml of breath when the legal limit is just 35mcg.

Viegas is now facing a lengthy disqualification after he pleaded guilty to driving with excess alcohol on Newcastle Magistrates' Court. Glenda Beck, prosecuting, said an officer was travelling through Walker when he was flagged down by a member of public.

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Mrs Beck continued: "The witness had seen a car travelling down the wrong side of the road and hit a refuge island pavement. The witness had seen the defendant colliding with the pavement.

"The officer saw the vehicle and illuminated his lights and put on his sirens, causing the vehicle to pull over. When attending the car, the officer noticed two children inside, along with the defendant, who was in the driver's seat." A court heard that the officer also noted that two of Viegas's tyres were deflated and his vehicle had some damage to the rear.

Magistrates decided that they needed a pre-sentence report in order to finalise the case and adjourned it until March 25. Viegas was released on bail until that date, when his solicitor will also put forward his mitigation. In the meantime, Viegas was given an interim driving ban.