BASED IN NORTHERN IRELAND
Just finished in court this morning, thought I would update everyone as to what unfolded today (Friday 1st July 2022)
Brief Description of Offence:
Last month I was drinking most of the day when I had travelled to my hometown for a sporting event- honestly don’t know what possessed me to get in the car after getting a kebab about 11.30pm at night, my friend actually begged me not to go, but my mind was made up- stupidly travelled about 10 mins in the car when stopped by police when they notice that I was driving erratically/ swerving and etc.
Blood Alcohol Level and Reading Type:
86mg in Breath- just below the HRO level of 87.5mg.
Mitigating Factors:
- I had only driven a short distance when apprehended;
- I was not carrying other passengers in the vehicle;
- Given the time of the offence there was less traffic on the roads and thus less risk to others;
- I did not cause damage to any vehicles or injure anyone;
- I was fully compliant with any and all investigations from the police and
- Prior to the incident, I have never having been in any trouble with the police for any reason, or received any endorsements on my driving licence.
Aggravating Factors:
- High alcohol content in breath;
- Work as a solicitor- diminishing trust and integrity in the profession.
Legal Representation at Court?:
Yes- paid for a barrister to provide mitigation- paid £300 (inc VAT).
Given I work in the legal sector I had drafted a comprehensive and well written mitigation statement, but given I was in an emotional state, I felt it better to delegate the work of speaking on my behalf to a barrister.
To be fair, easiest money that man ever earned, he literally handed my statement to the judge who read it in full before passing sentence, but when he did speak on my behalf was very eloquent.
Sentence:
Disqualified from driving for 12 months; reduced to 9 months upon completion of DD course.
Fine of £350.00.
Offered the Drink Driving Rehabilitation Course?:
Yes- now offered automatically due to legislation update in Northern Ireland – will reduce my sentence by 3 months to a total of 9 months.
However, due to legislative position in Northern Ireland, I will have to re-apply for my licence and complete both the theory and practical driving tests again should I wish to drive again.
Sentence Comments:
Turned up early at the court, dressed in a smart suit and tie. Only person dressed in that fashion, but not certain that had an impact honestly- the judge who heard my case is notoriously strict.
Barrister said that due to the powerful nature of my statement and genuine remorse showcased within it was a major factor in the judge giving me the statutory minimum punishment- the sentencing range given the alcohol in breath was between 18 and 36 months, so I believe that the judge was lenient to me in the circumstances.
The whole situation has been transformative for me- it’s been a heart-breaking, anxious, worrying and shameful episode for me, but in the same vein, I intend to improve myself as a result of this, and to reflect how I arrived at this point, and use it as a building block from which to improve.
I regard it as a MAJOR bullet dodge and an eye opener, and will end on a note previous read in another post which has resonated with me.
DON’T DRINK AND DRIVE- I WAS LUCKY- I COULD HAVE KILLED SOMEONE OR MYSELF