Lowestoft drink-driver may be jailed

A MAN who lost his job as a result of the recession could be jailed after he was caught driving more than three times over the legal alcohol limit.David Goodwin, 31, was breathalysed in the car park of the Water Lane Sports Centre car park, in Lowestoft, at 7pm on April 9, and gave a reading of 122mcg of alcohol in 100ml of breath.

A MAN who lost his job as a result of the recession could be jailed after he was caught driving more than three times over the legal alcohol limit.

David Goodwin, 31, was breathalysed in the car park of the Water Lane Sports Centre car park, in Lowestoft, at 7pm on April 9, and gave a reading of 122mcg of alcohol in 100ml of breath. The legal limit is 35.

Colette Griffiths, prosecuting, told Lowestoft Magistrates' Court that Goodwin was also driving without a licence after failing to renew it following an earlier ban for drink-driving.

Goodwin, of Somerton Avenue, Lowestoft, admitted drink-driving, driving without a licence and without insurance when he appeared before the court yesterday (Tuesday).

Richard Mann, for Goodwin, said his client, who has a drink problem, lost his job working at a mobile fast food van because of the economic downturn.

'He offers his apologies and said he has done a very stupid thing. He is a 31-year-old man, who is down on his luck,' said Mr Mann.

Goodwin had also been hit by the breakdown of an 11-year relationship and would shortly have to leave his home.

'All these things have happened at once and it has, unfortunately, led to an escalation in his drinking. I don't think custody will help him address the problems at all,' added Mr Mann.

Chairman of the bench Reginald Leggett adjourned the case until May 13 for a pre-sentence report and warned Goodwin he could be jailed.