A grieving Birmingham driver who smelled of alcohol at the scene of a crash has been handed a three-year driving ban. Shamarie Wedderburn, 34, of Church Lane, Nechells, was found with bottles of wine and cider in his car when police attended the collision on May 5 this year.
At Birmingham Magistrates' Court, Wedderburn admitted failing to provide a specimen for analysis. Due to a previous drink-drive conviction, he received a 36-month disqualification.
Grief and Attempts to Provide Sample
Wedderburn's solicitor argued that he had tried to provide the samples but found it difficult. She said: "It is clear from the papers and the CCTV that he is blowing, he is trying but he has not finished it." She added that the defendant's father died suddenly in February, which had deeply affected him. "What has caused someone, a gentleman who works full time in customer service, to do this? In February of this year, his dad died very suddenly. He went into hospital having a cold. It's something that he is finding very difficult to be able to deal with."
Police Observations at the Scene
Prosecutor Ms Begum told the court: "Officers were assigned to an RTC. They located a further collision nearby and observed two vehicles including a BMW. They immediately noticed the strong smell of alcohol. The defendant's eyes were puffy, bloodshot and watery." A search uncovered 1.5 empty bottles of wine, a bottle of cider and another bottle of wine. Police said Wedderburn was sucking on the machine rather than blowing.
Previous Conviction and Consequences
Wedderburn had a previous conviction for driving with excess alcohol, which the solicitor noted was "some six years ago." She described the consequences of the incident as "already catastrophic," adding that he had been suspended from work. The chair of the Magistrates said: "Because of your previous convictions, we will impose a 36 month driving ban." Wedderburn was also ordered to pay a total of £471, including a £110 fine.
