Sheffield drink-driver was caught after reporting collision to police

Sheffield Magistrates' Court heard on January 9 how Stuart Nichol, 40, of Lodge Lane, Sheffield, lost control of his van on Manchester Road, Sheffield, on December 14.

Matthew Duffy, prosecuting, said the defendant called the police and stated he had slipped on leaves which led to his vehicle obstructing traffic and a second vehicle had crashed into the back of his van.

Nichol pleaded guilty to exceeding the alcohol drink-drive limit after he registered 42 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath when the legal limit is 35 microgrammes.

Tony Williams, defending, said landscaper Nichol is embarrassed and regretful and understands he could have put others in danger.

Magistrates fined Nichol £284 and ordered him to pay £85 costs and a £32 victim surcharge. He was banned from driving for 12 months.