Student Audi TT driver was drunk at the wheel

Burnley magistrates were told how Harrison Gallagher, at the wheel of an Audi TT, was followed by an inspector who saw him drive erratically and on the wrong side of the road.

The hearing was told Gallagher was very emotional and upset as it was the third anniversary of his mother’s death. He had had some wine at home and had then gone to Manchester to pick up his “drunk” best friend.

Mrs Tracy Yates (prosecuting) said the restaurant staff had told officers the car, which had been going at speed, had two men on board and both were very intoxicated. He blew 53 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath. The legal limit is 35.

The defendant is at Manchester Metropolitan University and currently has a temporary job to pay off some of his student debts. He was due to start a placement in Blackburn this month and will now have to look for another company as he won’t be able to get there.

Gallagher, of Townfield Avenue, Burnley, admitted driving with excess alcohol on Hillside, in the town on September 1st.

He was fined £120 and told to pay £85 costs and a £30 victim surcharge.

The defendant, who had no previous convictions, was banned for 14 months.