A Weoley Castle man expecting his second child narrowly avoided prison this week after crashing into a barrier during a snowy night. Steven Joyce, 23, was banned from driving at the time but attempted to help a family member by moving a BMW Sport a short distance amid treacherous road conditions in January.
The heavy snowfall made roads dangerous, yet Joyce drove despite the risks. Police witnessed the collision as it happened and found him over the legal alcohol limit by 10 micrograms following a breath test.
Fortunately, no injuries resulted from the crash. Joyce, a father of one, pleaded guilty to driving while disqualified, driving without insurance, and driving under the influence. The magistrates sentenced him to 16 weeks in prison, suspended for 18 months, sparing him immediate incarceration as he prepares for fatherhood.
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The chair of the bench acknowledged Joyce’s clean record up until the incident and warned him that any further offenses would lead to imprisonment. Joyce was also banned from driving for 26 months and must complete a 25-day rehabilitation activity requirement. As part of his sentence, he has been ordered to abstain from alcohol for 120 days under monitoring.
Joyce’s lawyer emphasized that the short drive was an attempt to help in hazardous conditions, describing the decision as ill-judged but not habitual. The court urged Joyce to take this chance to make positive changes for his growing family’s future.