Sunderland food bank employee crashed works van after drinking at Christmas party

Philip Gray, 58, got behind the wheel of the VW motor after missing a taxi ordered to take him home from the Mill House pub at Birtley, Gateshead, a court heard.

Gray, of Primrose Crescent, Houghton-le-Spring, came off the road on a roundabout on the A1231 Sunderland Highway at Blackfell, Washington, on Saturday, December 13.

A breath test by police summoned to the scene found he was over twice the legal limit – and his reading had jumped when breathalysed after his arrest.

He is now starting a 20-month roads’ disqualification after pleading guilty to drink driving and must pay almost £900 in fines and court penalties

Prosecutor Chike Anieto told magistrates in South Tyneside: “Police had cause to attend a road traffic collision, whereby the defendant had crashed into a barrier on a roundabout.

“A roadside test was provided in respect of the crash of his vehicle.”

Mr Anieto said Gray gave a roadside reading for alcohol in breath of 75mcg.

He revealed this had risen to 83mcg by the time of an evidential test at a police station. The legal limit is 35mcg.

Nick Moore, defending, told magistrates: “Mr Gray had been to the Mill House at Birtley for a Christmas party.

“He did take the works’ van with him and had a taxi booked and intended to get the van the next day.

“He missed his taxi and drove home. He clipped a curb and crashed. He believes he may have been spiked.

“It’s a guilty plea and maximum credit for that. He’s not been before a court for almost 40 years.

“He works at a local food bank, he collects the food. He’s no longer going to be able to do that charitable work.

“He does have the prospect of continuing that employment. I ask you to keep the disqualification as low as possible. I accept there was a crash.”

Magistrates fined Gray £576, with a £230 victim surcharge and £85 court costs.