Drink-driving dad caught with child in vehicle
A Barnsley man has been banned from driving after being caught drink driving with a child in the car.
David Martin, 28, appeared before Barnsley Magistrates’ Court on 22 December.
He was disqualified from driving for 15 months and ordered to attend a 10-day rehabilitation activity programme.
The incident occurred on 29 May when a roads policing officer on patrol spotted a silver Citroen Dispatch swerving across the road in Goldthorpe.
The officer stopped the vehicle on Barnsley Road and saw Martin attempting to hide a can of beer in the car.
Martin also had a child in the vehicle at the time.
He was breathalysed and recorded a reading of 68 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath - nearly double the legal limit of 35.
Roads Policing Sergeant Brandon Brown condemned the offence, saying:
“Drink driving is a reckless and dangerous act that puts innocent lives at risk, and what was made worse by this incident, is that Martin decided to risk an innocent child’s life in his care.
“Anyone who chooses to get behind the wheel while impaired is selfish, and your actions will not be tolerated. We remain committed to taking action to keep our roads and communities safe.”
Police stress that drivers under the influence are six times more likely to be involved in a fatal collision.
“You can lose your life, end up in prison, lose your licence, family and job. It’s not worth the risk,” Sgt Brown added.