Husband's decision to drive ends in court

Gary Sparks, 58, admitted drink driving at Wigan Magistrates after his Insignia was involved in a collision with a Land Rover on Stone Cross Lane North, in Lowton, near to his house.

The court heard that Sparks had been out for a few beers and had not intended to drive, but had got behind the wheel after his ill wife became upset and had driven to find him.

Tess Kenyon, prosecuting, said: “At 11.20pm on July 16, police were called to reports of a collision.

“When they arrived, the driver of the Land Rover told him he had been driving down when he saw an Insignia parked on the left hand side facing the same way he was travelling in.

“The car was indicating to the left side and it remained parked as he pulled out to overtake. But the Insignia suddenly pulled across to the right hand side in front of him and he wasn’t able to prevent the collision.”

The witness went to the car to check everyone was alright and saw the driver climb over a woman in the passenger seat before getting out of the car and going into a property.

Officers went to the address and found Sparks who was arrested after a breathalyser test found he was over the limit.

Further tests at the police station found he had 56 micrograms of alcohol for every 100 millilitres of breath.

Sparks, who was representing himself, said: “I was over the limit but I wasn’t drunk. I had caught the bus down to the local pub to meet a friend for a game of snooker and a few halves.

“My wife hasn’t been very well and she got worried and came out to look for me. She was in such a state I thought I was in a better position to drive than she was.

“I didn’t climb over my wife, she was in such a state I thought it was best to get myself and her away and then I would come back out to speak to the police.

“The good thing is my wife has now been seen by doctors and is waiting to see a specialist about possible mental health problems.

“There were actually three cars involved. I don’t know if it was someone behind him or someone who overtook and didn’t see me.”

Sparks was disqualified from driving for 12 months, but offered the chance to complete a course to reduce it by three months, and fined £200. He was also ordered to pay costs of £85 and a victim surcharge of £30.