'I'm sticking to vodka next time' - Chesterfield teenager jailed for drink driving

Drew James Boyle was spotted by police on February 8 almost hit a parked vehicle in the Ford Focus he was driving on Backsmith’s Lane, Calow, before carrying on to drive erratically, Chesterfield Magistrates' Court was told on Monday, February 24.

Boyle, of Top Road, Calow, who only turned 18 in November, admitted drink driving, driving while disqualified, and driving with no insurance. He also admitted breaching the community order he had been given on February 5 for driving while disqualified.

He had been banned from driving for ‘totting offences’ earlier in 2019, said Becky Allsop, prosecuting.

“Officers saw the vehicle almost collide with a car parked at the side of the road. It was struggling to drive in a straight line and to remain within the lines on the road. There were other passengers in it who ran off when it stopped.

“Boyle had been disqualified for 18 months just three days before the incident. When questioned, he said to officers, I’m sticking to vodka next time, I’ve been drinking amaretto.”

Boyle blew 47mg of alcohol in 100ml of breath when breathalysed, when the legal limit is 35mg.

He also admitted failing to meet two appointments with Probation and didn’t understand that the service was more rigid in its approach than the Youth Offending Team, said Annis Rowland, mitigating.

She said: “He has grown up through the care system, but I have advised him that he’s in a very precarious situation.

“He’s now left care and is living with his grandparents and custody for this young man would be a disaster. He fully realises the stupidity of his actions - it was bravado with him showing off to his peers.”

Magistrates jailed Boyle for a total of 20 weeks and ordered him to pay a £122 victim surcharge. They also banned him from driving for 36 months, which will begin when he is released from custody.