Drivers in court over drink and drug usage

YET more drink and drug drivers peppered the list of those attending Plymouth Magistrates' Court over a recent weeks worth of hearings.

- By CARL EVE

Inevitably, all those who appeared in court having driven whilst under the influence were told they would not be driving for some time to come. Some were banned from driving for 12 months, while others were unable to drive any vehicle - not counting a push bike or a skateboard - for as long as three and a half years.

One man was told he would have to stay in the court cells for the rest of the day after he admitted causing a nuisance in a hospital.

Another man was ordered to pay compensation to a police officer he assaulted. In addition he was ordered to take part in an alcohol abstinence programme after being convicted of exposing his genitals.

DRINK/DRUG DRIVE

■BARRY MEALING, 48 of Myrtleville Crescent, Plymouth: Drove Renault van on Plymouth Road with proportion Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol in blood in excess of specified limit. Victim surcharge £24. Disqualified from driving for 12 months. Fined £60.

■ALEXANDER OSBORN, 25 of Wolsdon Street, Plymouth: Drove on North Hill with 70mg of alcohol in 100ml of breath. Court costs £85. Disqualified from driving for 36 months. Fined £300.

■DOUGLAS BLOODWORTH, 56 of Hartley Court, Plymouth: Drove on Eggbuckland Road with 84mg of alcohol in 100ml of breath. Court costs £85. Victim surcharge £172. Disqualified from driving for 21 months. Fined £430.

■LEON SOLE, 33 of Austin Avenue, Plymouth: Drove Ford Fiesta on Leigham roundabout with proportion of Benzoylecgonine in blood in excess of specified limit. Victim surcharge £48. Disqualified from driving for 14 months. Fined £120.

■NAMED WOMAN, 31 of named address, Plymouth: Drove Ford Fiesta on Packington Street with 117mg of alcohol in 100ml of breath. Court costs £85. Victim surcharge £114. Community order - Alcohol treatment at Harbour for six months. Rehabilitation activity up to 15 days. Disqualified from driving for 42 months. Fined £120.