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Road ban for ex-lorry driver Jim Thomas
A FORMER lorry driver who got behind the wheel while twice over the drink-drive limit after a row with his wife has faced the "stark reality" of a court appearance.
Jim Thomas, 63, was banned from driving for 20 months and fined 100 after he pleaded guilty to a single charge of driving while over the prescribed limit at a hearing in Bridlington last week.
He was also ordered to pay 60 costs and a 15 victim surcharge, though he was given the chance to reduce the length of his ban by completing a drink-drive rehabilitation course.
Presiding magistrate Martin Dodgson told him: "It's a stark reality in the cold light of the morning court."
The court was earlier told Thomas had come to the attention of police in Flamborough on the evening of May 8 after he was seen driving his Vauxhall Vectra very close to the vehicle in front.
Amee Patel, prosecuting, said Thomas had also crossed onto the wrong side of the road on several occasions.
The car stopped in the village's Dog and Duck Square where officers carried out a roadside breath test, which was positive.
Further tests showed Thomas, of Valley Road, Shipley, had 216 milligrams of alcohol in 100 millilitres of urine. The legal limit is 107.
Emma Appleton, mitigating, said her client had taken "a very silly action" following an argument with his wife.
She said: "He needed to get away so he got into his car and drove. He realises what a silly thing that was to do."
Mrs Appleton told the bench her client was a former lorry driver who was aware he would be banned from getting behind the wheel, adding: "He very much regrets his actions."
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Weather for Bridlington
Thursday 24 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 9 C to 19 C
Wind Speed: 15 mph
Wind direction: North
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 11 C to 18 C
Wind Speed: 24 mph
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