Troubled Sheffield drink-driver seeks help to beat booze

Sheffield Magistrates’ Court heard how Jason Lee Abbott, 43, of Calder Way, Sheffield, was caught by police after they had received a tip-off he had got into a car after drinking.

Robert Coyne, prosecuting, said: “On January 5, at about 12.35am, police said they received a report stating Mr Abbott was drunk and had got into a Ford Kia on Gregg House Road, Sheffield, and police attended and found the vehicle on Sicey Avenue at a junction with Hatfield House Lane.”

The vehicle had crossed to the wrong side of the carriageway, according to police, before it was stopped.

Abbott pleaded guilty to exceeding the drink-drive limit after registering 100 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath when the limit is 35 microgrammes.

The probation service stated Abbott, who is a baker, had been upset after an argument and he decided to drive home after drinking.

Abbott was remorseful, according to the probation service, and realised he could have killed someone but he is seeking assistance and says he needs all the help he can get.

The defendant’s drinking had escalated to three small bottles of vodka every day, according to the probation service.

Magistrates sentenced Abbott to a 12-month community order with a rehabilitation requirement and 80 hours of unpaid work.

He was disqualified from driving for 24 months and must pay £85 costs and a £90 victim surcharge.