Soldier caught drink-driving on way back to garrison

A serving soldier with the Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment crashed his car into a wall while over the drink-drive limit – and then called the police to report the accident, Burnley magistrates heard.
Burnley Magistrates CourtBurnley Magistrates Court
Burnley Magistrates Court

Arron Mason (38), of Hollin Hill, Burnley, was directing traffic around the crash in Skipton Road, Foulridge, when police arrived at the scene, the court was told.

Mason, who has done three tours of Iraq and two of Afghanistan, admitted driving with excess alcohol in his breath.

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A test showed a level of 97 micrograms of alcohol in 100ml of breath, the legal limit being 35.

Mr Dylan Bradshaw (defending) said Mason had been to a christening the day before the accident and had left home early to return to his garrison at Catterick for an annual inspection.

He had been changing gear on leaving a 30mph speed zone when the rear end of his car “went”, causing him to lose control.

Magistrates fined Mason £830 and banned him from driving for two years. He was also ordered to pay £85 costs and a victim surcharge of £83.

He was offered the opportunity to go on a drink-drive awareness course which if successful, could lead to a six-month reduction in his disqualification.

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