A motorcyclist in Walsall, who appeared ‘unsteady on his feet’ when stopped by police, narrowly avoided receiving a driving ban following a recent court hearing.
Officers encountered Stephen Davies pushing a Yamaha motorbike along Victoria Avenue in Bloxwich, initially believing the vehicle to have been stolen. However, subsequent checks confirmed the bike was not stolen. Upon speaking with Davies, the officers observed clear signs of intoxication.
At Dudley Magistrates' Court on 27 August, prosecutor Savithru Wijeratne reported that Davies provided a positive roadside breath sample, recording 79 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath, well above the legal limit of 35 micrograms. Davies admitted to consuming alcohol and explained that he was pushing the motorbike due to having been involved in a collision on 19 July.
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Representing himself, Davies, aged 46 and from Penn Road, Wolverhampton, told magistrates he had since ceased consuming alcohol. He also revealed that his 30-year marriage had ended, with divorce proceedings underway, though he emphasised he did not wish to use these circumstances as an excuse for his actions.
Magistrate Jane Goode acknowledged Davies’s remorse and noted his previous good character and clean driving record. Consequently, rather than imposing a driving ban, the court decided to issue 10 penalty points on his licence. The magistrate warned that further offences, such as speeding, could result in a ban.
Davies was fined £623 and ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £249, along with £85 in court costs.