An MOT tester, Karl Jackson, 59, from Hunstanton, has been disqualified from driving for 20 months after being caught drink-driving. The offence, which he pleaded guilty to at Lynn Magistrates’ Court, will force him to leave his job as he requires a full driving licence to carry out MOT tests.
On 19th July, police were called to Valentine Road following a report of a potential drink-driver. Upon arrival, officers found Jackson’s Vauxhall Astra with “significant” damage, leading them to believe he had been involved in an accident. A roadside breath test revealed he had 81mcg of alcohol per 100ml of breath, more than double the legal limit of 35mcg.
In mitigation, Jackson’s defence, Ruth Johnson, stated that he had made an “incredibly stupid mistake which will have consequences.” She explained that he cannot continue as an MOT tester, as a colleague cannot test drive the cars for him and he must perform the full test himself. Jackson is now seeking alternative employment.
In addition to the driving disqualification, Jackson was fined £230 and ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £92 and court costs of £85.
Source: Lynn News
gavin
It’s quite simple, don’t drink and drive, no sympathy
Barry Chandler
Not so. I’ve known testers lose their licence and carry on testing. They cannot drive any vehicle that requires a decelerometer test, but a colleague can drive, and the tester has to handle the brake meter and note the readings. Or just not do any tests that need a road test and just use the brake rollers. I’m guessing the solicitor was hoping to get a bit of leniency and reduced sentence.
Mark
We all know the rules, and to be brutally honest, he is old enough to know better, unfortunately he’s not the first and certainly not the last. Leave the car at home, NO EXCUSES!