Takeaway boss is caught drink-driving

Kwok Cheung (46) had been stopped by police, who stated he was “clearly” under the influence of alcohol and had glazed eyes. He turned out to be almost twice the limit.

Burnley magistrates were told how the father-of-two had taken a member of staff home, went back to his shop to clear up and then decided to have a drink.

Cheung, of Green Ridge Close, Brierfield, admitted driving with excess alcohol in Halifax Road, Brierfield, on June 21st. The defendant, who had no previous convictions, was fined £300, with £85 costs, a £30 victim surcharge and a £150 criminal court charge. He was banned for 17 months.

Miss Parveen Akhtar (prosecuting) said a police officer saw the defendant contravene the No Entry sign about 1-10am and stopped him after following him about half-a-mile.

The defendant failed a roadside breath test and was taken to the police station, where he blew 62 micrograms of alcohol in 100ml of breath. The legal limit is 35.

Miss Laura Heywood, for Cheung, told the court: “The biggest impact on him is the fact he has lost his good character.”

The defendant, owner of a takeaway, took a staff member home, returned to tidy up and had a drink. The solicitor continued: “He didn’t appreciate he was over the limit and decided to drive a very short distance to his home address.”

Cheung had two young children, who were involved in various activities. Miss Heywood added: “The defendant losing his licence today will have a large impact not only on his business, but in relation to his family life.”