Police officers who arrested a man in a village near Ripon after a crash found that he was almost six times over the legal limit for alcohol.
North Yorkshire Police said today the man was so drunk he could barely speak and had to be physically held up.
Officers responded to reports of a two-car collision in Kirkby Malzeard at around 9.30pm on New Year’s Eve.
Nobody was injured but police said in a statement that one of the drivers was “clearly” under the influence of alcohol.
Read more:
- Man jailed for biting Harrogate police officer and spitting at another
- Police release CCTV image following assault at Harrogate bar
When tested, the unnamed man’s breath sample contained 208 micrograms per 100 millilitres of breath. The legal limit is 35 micrograms so he was almost six times over.
A statement from the officer at the scene said:
“He appeared so intoxicated he could barely speak, never mind drive a vehicle, and had to be physically held up as he was unable to stand by himself.
“The man was arrested and upon arriving in police custody he provided a further positive evidential sample of breath before being charged for drink driving.
“Mercifully the collision was a minor one with no injuries but this has clearly been a very lucky escape for everyone involved.
“Despite the clear dangers of drink driving there are still individuals who continue to do so. Not only do they pose a danger to themselves, but they put the lives of many others at risk too. It is nothing short of stupidity.”
The man has been released on bail to appear at court later this month.
North Yorkshire Police has urged anyone who suspects someone of drink driving to call 999.
