Nailsea man could face jail after drink-driving crash
North Somerset Courthouse. - Credit: Archant
A NAILSEA man, who was taken from his home by police after driving while almost three times over the legal limit, could face jail time.
Nigel Hollingworth, of Bucklands Grove, appeared at North Somerset Courthouse on Friday and pleaded guilty to driving his Landrover Defender after drinking on March 10.
Prosecutor Jane Cooper told the court there were 102 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of Hollingworth’s breath – with the legal limit being 35.
Ms Cooper said witnesses saw the 55-year-old swerving on the road then crash through a fence in Bucklands Grove. When police arrived he continued to reverse and then slowly move the car forward.
She said: “Officers said his eyes were glazed and reactions were lethargic. They ordered the door open and no-one else was in the car except for a dog who the officer said was looking frightened.”
Anthony Miles, defending, said: “Mr Hollingworth recognises he has a drinking problem and since that date he was admitted to hospital because he was having withdrawal seizures.”
Mr Miles said Hollingworth has started a detox programme and is engaging with SMART, AA and ARA.
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Magistrates decided to defer his sentence for two months and he will be sentenced on July 4. Chair magistrate Mike Evans said, due to the high alcohol reading, if he does not maintain his progress he could face a period of custody.
