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23
Nov
Ex-RAF corporal with complex PTSD sentenced for drink-driving in Boroughbridge
An ex-RAF corporal who looked after victims of suicide bomb attacks was sentenced at Harrogate Magistrates Court on Friday (November 22).
James Lefley, of Highwayman Road in Boroughbridge, pleaded guilty to one count of driving a motor vehicle when alcohol level was above the limit, one count of using a motor vehicle on a road or public place without third-party insurance, and one count of driving whilst disqualified on October 24.
Mel Ibbotson, prosecuting, told the court police were called to Morrisons car park on August 30 just before 5pm.
She said the force went to the Boroughbridge supermarket following suspicions of a driver being under the influence.
The court heard police thought Lefley, 46, was “in drink” when they approached him in his vehicle.
Ms Ibbotson said:
The defendant was breathalysed and arrested. However, when he was at the police station, police say he was retching, so they were concerned the the breathalyser was contaminated. They took a blood test, which recorded 223 milligrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of blood. The legal limit is 80 milligrammes.
Police also established the defendant was disqualified until November next year for a previous drink-driving conviction.
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Defendant 'experienced looking after victims of bombs'
Sean Wilson, defending, told the court Lefley believed the supermarket car park was private property, so he thought the rules of the disqualification did not apply.
As the car park is used by the public, the disqualification rules do apply, Mr Wilson said.
He added Lefley was “selling his vehicle” and went to the car park to meet a prospective buyer.
The court heard:
Mr Lefley served in the RAF for 14 years, eventually becoming a corporal. He did tours of Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria.
In Afghanistan, the RAF work out of two bases. They have two options: they can either act as force protection and patrol the base, or they can accompany medics on the helicopter response teams.
Mr Lefley did the former. He experienced having to look after people who were victims of road-side bombs and suicide bombs.
Mr Wilson said this, as well as events during Lefley’s childhood, have led the defendant to suffer with “complex PTSD”.
Lefley also suffers with extreme anxiety and depression, he has a fear of being around people and does not sleep.
The court heard there is a culture of drinking in the military, which Lefley continued after he left the RAF.
Mr Wilson said Mr Lefley has since stopped drinking, he is undergoing talking therapy and is awaiting eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR). EMDR is a form of therapy which involves moving the eyes in specific ways to help process traumatic experiences.
He told the court:
Mr Lefley is in a better position for rehabilitation now.
The magistrates disqualified Lefley from driving for 52 months. If he completes a drink-driving course, this will be reduced by 52 weeks.
Lefley must also complete an 18-month community order, which includes 30 rehabilitation activity days and an alcohol treatment course.
He was also ordered to pay £199 to the court, comprising a £114 surcharge and £85 in prosecution costs.
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