Wigan driver's shame at second drink-driving ban

Daniel Lee Etherington, of Adams Drive in Worsley Mesnes, appeared at Wigan and Leigh Magistrates’ Court after being caught driving over the legal alcohol limit by patrolling officers.

The court heard how the 32-year-old car valeter had been apprehended by police at around 1am on Worsley Mesnes Drive after they had seen him driving “at speed” down Victoria Street near the town centre.

Etherington, who had no legal representation, told magistrates how he “honestly believed” he was fine to drive the mile home from his friend’s house after drinking two glasses of wine.

Prosecuting, Katie Beattie said: “The officer eventually caught up with the vehicle.

“Mr Etherington appeared sheepish and nervous.

“He told police he had alcohol about an hour earlier.”

He was then arrested and taken to the police station where he gave two breath samples, the lowest of which read 73mcg of alcohol in 100ml of breath, more than double the legal limit.

Speaking to defend his actions, Etherington said: “I was at a friend’s house. I had around two glasses of wine, it was only a mile drive.”

When asked why he did not leave the car and walk the mile home, he added: “I honestly believed I wasn’t over the limit at the time of driving.

“I didn’t feel affected.”

Justices were told that Etherington had previously received a 15-month ban in February 2008 for driving over the legal alcohol limit.

He was told that had his latest conviction been only “a few weeks before” he would have been given a three-year ban.

For this second drink-driving offence, Ethertington received a 22-month disqualification and was ordered to pay a £270 fine.

He will also have to pay £85 in court costs and a £30 victim surcharge.