Police spot drink-drive tutor on M65

William Dongo (39) was spotted swaying from lane to lane by police at M65 Junction 10 in the early hours. He was stopped and blew 83 micrograms of alcohol in 100ml of breath. The legal limit is 35.

Pennine magistrates were told how Dongo, who was born in Zimbabwe, was convicted of failing to provide a specimen in 2006 and had to be disqualified for a mandatory 36 months.

The defendant, of Hollins Road, Nelson, admitted driving with excess alcohol on the M65 at Nelson on May 24th. He was fined £400, with £85 costs, a £40 victim surcharge and a £150 criminal court charge.

Prosecutor Miss Tracy Yates told the court police on duty at the junction, towards Nelson, at 5-30am, saw the driver of a Peugeot 306 struggling to drive in a straight line. The defendant was stopped in Reedyford Road a roadside breath tested proved positive and Dongo was taken to the police station.

Nick Cassidy, in mitigation, said Dongo fully complied with the police, both at the roadside and police station.

The defendant was originally from Zimbabwe and became a British national in 2011. He had been with his wife during the day and dropped her off at work in Blackburn, where she is a care assistant, for a night shift.

Dongo then went to visit friends and intended to stay the night. He accepted he consumed what he thought was a small amount of lager, but was tired.

Mr Cassidy said the defendant made a foolish mistake and drove. The solicitor continued: “He certainly didn’t think he would be over the limit. It’s fair to say he has learned a very harsh lesson in relation to this matter.”

Mr Cassidy said Dongo worked for the University of Central Lancashire, at Lancashire County Council. He ran a course for young people not in mainstream education. The defendant, a trained science and maths teacher, also did some tutoring. He added: “Apart from these offences he leads a very law-abiding existence and obviously contributes to the community.”