An Eden Valley drink-driver was caught by police after his van got stuck in mud on a rural road late at night.
Two police officers were on patrol in the Maulds Meaburn area, between Shap and Appleby, at 11.45pm on March 19. They found a white Ford Transit which had been driven by 41-year-old Gerard Richard Monk.
After failing a breath test he was arrested, taken into custody and an evidential breath sample showed he was exactly three times the legal driving limit. In interview, Monk made full and frank admissions and at Carlisle Magistrates’ Court today, he admitted charges of drink-driving, having no insurance and driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence.
Magistrates heard Monk had 11 crimes to his name, his last conviction being for dangerous driving in 2019 after he drove a van at two police officers controlling heavy traffic flow in Appleby during the annual horse fair. Both had to jump out of his path with one PC struck on the hand by his vehicle and the other having a foot run over.
Addressing magistrates about his latest brush with the law last month, Monk said: “I’m just sorry for my actions. It was my fault. I admitted it straight away. I’m here to take my punishment.”
Monk said he had been out for a meal earlier in the day and consumed six pints. He didn’t think he had been over the legal limit and told of going to Tebay services to get some food.
Magistrates imposed 100 hours’ unpaid work as part of a 12-month community order. Self-employed Monk, of The Ride, Dufton, was also given a 25-month driving ban and took up the offer of a place on a rehabilitation course.
If completed, this will cut the length of his disqualification by 25 weeks.
