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17
Aug
Ripon soldier failed to provide specimen to police after drink-driving
A serving solider from Ripon has admitted to failing to provide a specimen to police after drink-driving.
Charlie Musgrave, 19, appeared before Harrogate Magistrates Court on Thursday (August 13), where he spoke to confirm his name, date of birth and address.
Musgrave, of King Street, admitted one count of failing to provide a specimen to police for analysis on July 25 this year.
Sarah Tyrer, prosecuting, said the 19-year-old had been outside his home address at 10.30pm when he flagged down two police officers on duty to ask if they could help him find his house keys.
Officers noticed that his car was parked outside his home and that he smelled of alcohol, the court heard.
Ms Tyrer said police advised him not to drive and Musgrave went into his house after finding his keys.
The court heard that, later in the evening, the same officers noticed the defendant leaving his house in his car and heading towards Mallorie Park Drive.
Officers followed him and pulled him over.
Ms Tyrer said Musgrave was asked to provide a roadside breath test, where he recorded 108mg of alcohol in 100ml of breath — three times the legal limit.
The prosecutor said:
He was taken to Harrogate Police Station where he was asked to give two further samples for analysis.
The court heard that Musgrave responded “no” when asked for more samples. He then said “go on” but changed his mind.
Ms Tyrer said the defendant made a deliberate refusal to officers when asked to provide a specimen.
Serving soldier
Chris McGrogan, defending, said Musgrave was a serving soldier and had so far served three-and-a-half years in the Royal Engineers.
Mr McGrogan said the 19-year-old had “very little recollection” of the night of the incident.
He added:
He is petrified to say the least. He has a partner with a three-month-old child. This could have catastrophic consequences for him.
Magistrates adjourned the case for a pre-sentencing report to be prepared. Musgrave will appear before Harrogate Magistrates Court again on October 2, 2026.
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