Drink driver asleep behind wheel at crossing
Christopher James Little - who has previous convictions for drink driving and driving while disqualified - turned out to be more than three times over the limit, the court was told on Thursday, August 14.
Helen Waite, prosecuting, said officers came across the 28-year-old’s black Vauxhall Astra “stopped in a precarious position” at the crossing at Thatcham railway station on the Crookham Hill side.
They managed to wake Mr Little, of St George’s Avenue, Newbury, and tests subsequently showed 110mcg of alcohol per 100ml of breath in his system. The legal limit is 35mcg.
Ms Waite said: “This is a particularly high reading. In interview he said he had been to the Queens Hotel in Newbury where he had drunk several pints of lager and several shots of Sambuca.
“He said he knew he was probably over the limit. He fell asleep in his car at the level crossing and had to be woken up by the police.”
Mr Little, a self employed bricklayer and father of one, admitted driving after drinking more than the legal limit on July 25 this year.
His previous convictions also include driving without insurance, the court heard.
Mike Davis, defending, said: “He fully appreciates that the reading is more than three times the limit and that he is approaching the custodial sentence band.
“The previous convictions of a similar nature are aggravating features, he acknowledges. He has a drink problem for which he is now seeking help.”
Mr Little had been on the way to buy powdered baby milk for his young child when he fell asleep at the level crossing, magistrates were told.
Mr Davis concluded: “I anticipate you will want reports so I won’t address you further at this stage.”
Magistrates concurred and bailed Mr Little until September 11 while pre-sentence reports are prepared.
They warned Mr Little that these were being prepared on an “all options basis,” which includes a potential custodial sentence.
They also made him subject to an interim ban in the meanwhile.