A doctor training to become a consultant has been sentenced after causing a serious head-on collision while driving with more than double the legal alcohol limit.
Doctor's 'Extraordinary Lapse' on Beach Road
Nayer Youakim, 37, an ear, nose and throat registrar, veered onto the wrong side of Beach Road in North Shields, North Tyneside. The incident occurred shortly before midnight on November 24, 2024.
Youakim's vehicle collided head-on with a taxi that had just dropped off a passenger. Prosecutor Lucy Todd told Newcastle Crown Court the taxi driver was "dazed by headlights coming towards him" before the impact.
Shocking Alcohol Reading and Serious Injuries
When initially questioned by police, Youakim, of Lady Byron Lane, Solihull, claimed he had only consumed "two pints". However, subsequent tests revealed a breath alcohol reading of 72 micrograms per 100 millilitres. The legal limit in England and Wales is 35 micrograms.
The collision sent the taxi spinning across the road, while Youakim's car ended up on the pavement. The taxi driver was hospitalised with serious injuries including:
- A fractured shoulder and arm
- A swollen hip
- Suspected broken ribs
In a victim impact statement, the driver expressed his anger but also stated, "I feel very lucky to be alive," acknowledging the lengthy recovery process ahead.
Suspended Sentence and Career Implications
Youakim pleaded guilty to causing serious injury by dangerous driving and drink-driving. Representing him, Laura Miller described the event as an "extraordinary lapse of judgement" and "very much out of character."
Recorder Mark McKone KC noted Youakim's important work as a doctor performing surgery in Carlisle, Whitehaven, and Penrith. He stated that immediate custody would likely lead to Youakim being struck off by the General Medical Council and would end his consultant training.
Youakim received an 18-month prison sentence, suspended for two years. He was also ordered to complete 250 hours of unpaid work, pay £150 in costs, and was banned from driving for two years. He must pass an extended driving test before his licence is returned.
The court heard Youakim has sought help to understand why he drank before driving that night and experiences sincere regret for his actions.
