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22
May
Harrogate man admits being almost five times drink-drive limit
A man admitted to being almost five times the legal drink-drive limit at Harrogate Magistrates Court today (May 22).
Parag Udeshi, of Finden Gardens in Hampsthwaite, pleaded guilty to drink-driving, as well as driving without a licence and insurance.
Mel Ibbotson, prosecuting, told the court security officers at Asda supermarket in Harrogate were observing the store’s CCTV on May 1 when they saw a man approach the checkout and attempt to buy two bottles of vodka.
A security guard approached Udeshi, who had been told he could not buy any alcohol because he had already been drinking.
The court heard the 47-year-old defendant was unable to walk in a straight line and was again told he could not buy any alcohol.
Udeshi told staff he had not been drinking and was on medication.
However, Ms Ibbotson said a member of the public approached a security guard after seeing Udeshi driving around the supermarket car park.
The person told the security guard Udeshi’s driving was "poor" and that "they should call the police”.
The court heard:
A security guard asked the defendant how he was getting home. He said his wife was coming to pick him up but that he had driven there.
The police were called and, when officers arrived, they could tell Udeshi was drunk.
Due to his demeanour, he was initially arrested for driving whilst unfit through alcohol.
However, a breath sample taken at the police station recorded 170 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath. The legal limit is just 35 micrograms.
Udeshi was unsteady on his feet and asked police officers why he was in custody, Ms Ibbotson told the court.
The defendant admitted the offences when he was interviewed by police, telling officers he had consumed 40 millilitres of vodka and a beer earlier that day.
Ms Ibbotson said Udeshi’s driving licence had previously been revoked following a seizure and he had not applied to have his licence reinstated at the time of the offence.
Udeshi is of previous good character, but Ms Ibbotson described the reading as “exceptionally high”.
Defence
Martin Townend, defending, said Udeshi does have a driving licence and insurance, but because his licence had been medically revoked, they were not valid at the time of the offence.
“We have heard the reading and know he was medically revoked, so you may want the input of the probation service”, Mr Townend told the magistrates.
The case was adjourned for a pre-sentence report to be prepared.
Udeshi, who wore a brown jacket and trousers and walked with a crutch in court, will return to Harrogate Magistrates Court for sentencing on July 18.
He was banned from driving in the interim.
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