A Harrogate man who was nearly five-times over the drink-drive limit was sentenced today (September 11).

Parag Udeshi, 47, pleaded guilty to drink-driving, driving without a licence and driving without insurance at Harrogate Magistrates Court on May 22.

The case had been adjourned for a pre-sentence report, which was not read aloud when he returned to court for sentence today.

Mel Ibbotson, prosecuting, told the court security staff at Asda on Harrogate's Bower Road saw Udeshi entering the store on CCTV at around 7.30pm on May 1. 

Noticing he looked drunk, they told him he could not buy any alcohol and escorted him from the store, the court heard.

Ms Ibbotson said a member of the public told staff Udeshi had arrived in a car.

Concerned, staff called the police and checked CCTV footage, which showed Udeshi driving the vehicle.

Udeshi, of Finden Gardens in Hampsthwaite, was arrested and taken to Harrogate Police Station, where he recorded 170 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath – almost five-times the legal limit of 35 micrograms.

The defendant’s licence had previously been medically revoked due to a seizure, Ms Ibbotson said.

She added Udeshi admitted the offences when interviewed by police.

“The defendant told police he had one beer and one vodka at 1pm that day”, the court heard.

Udeshi is of previous good character and has no previous convictions.

Alcohol treatment course in India

Martin Townend, defending, told the court the defendant had been drinking that day and, after running out of alcohol, made the “bad decision” to drive to Asda to buy more.

The court heard Udeshi is remorseful for his actions, so much so he undertook an alcohol treatment course in India after the incident, which was self-funded.

“He did 100 days without drinking alcohol”, Mr Townend said.

Udeshi became dependent on alcohol due to stress, Mr Townend told the court, but added he accepts that is “no excuse”.

Udeshi, who wore a grey suit in court, currently commutes to his job in Middlesborough by train.

Mr Townend described Udeshi as a “low risk in society” and at “low risk of re-offending”.

The magistrates handed Udeshi an 18-month community order, during which he must complete 15 rehabilitation activity requirement days, an 80-day alcohol abstinence treatment requirement and 150 hours of unpaid work.

He was also banned from driving for 36 months, reduced by 36 weeks if he completes a drink-driving awareness course.

Udeshi must also pay a £114 surcharge and £85 in prosecution costs.