Taxi driver Harbhajan Singh finished his shift, downed vodka and then crashed his car, court hears The court heard that the father-of-four drank a couple of vodkas after finishing his shift but after that Singh could not recall anything until prior to waking up in hospital after the collision
A taxi driver who downed vodka after finishing his shift crashed his car when he continued driving.
Harbhajan Singh, described as a respected member of the Huddersfield Sikh community, said he felt ashamed over the incident on February 7.
A district judge criticised the 56-year-old and told him that he had taken a ‘huge gamble’ in getting behind the wheel.
The court heard police were called after following the smash at Broad Lane in Moldgreen at 7am.
Singh had hit a parked car with his Fiat Scudo taxi, Kirklees Magistrates’ Court was told.
Rory Byrne, prosecuting, said: “The owner of the car came out and rang police after seeing him acting strangely and seemingly being under the influence.
“Mr Singh was taken to hospital and a blood sample was taken.”
This blood sample showed that Singh, of Rawthorpe Lane in Dalton, had 168 milligrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of blood.
This was more than twice the legal limit of 80 milligrammes.
The court heard that the father-of-four had drank a couple of vodkas after finishing his shift.
After that Singh could not recall anything until prior to waking up in hospital after the collision.
He had no convictions prior to the incident but his taxi licence has now been revoked.
The court was told that Singh was a respected member of the Sikh community and felt shameful that the offence had occurred.
District Judge Michael Fanning said: “I don’t know why people think it’s a gamble worth taking but you’ve learnt the hard way that driving and drinking does not mix.
“You’re a professional driver, your livelihood depends on that licence.
“It’s a huge gamble you took - you were more than twice the legal limit.
“It’s very fortunate that the circumstances were not more serious for others.”
Judge Fanning banned Singh from driving for 20 months.
He must also pay £165 fine, £85 costs and £20 victim surcharge.
source:
http://www.examiner.co.uk/news/west-yor ... nk-9715318
Login
Register
FAQ
