Matlock drink-driver’s crash could cost him work

Chesterfield magistrates’ court recently heard how James Aucott, 26, of King Street, Middleton, Matlock, collided with another vehicle at a junction in Wirksworth.

Prosecuting solicitor Neil Hollett told the August 25 hearing: “The defendant was driving an MG ZR car through Wirksworth and pulled out on Cromford Road into the path of an on-coming vehicle.”

Mr Hollett said the other vehicle avoided a collision by braking however the defendant started to drive and broke again causing the vehicle to go round it before there was a collision.

Aucott, who has no previous convictions, pleaded guilty to exceeding the alcohol drink-drive limit after the incident on August 7.

He said: “I’m really sorry. I will learn from it. I am now at risk of losing my job as a labourer.”

Magistrates fined Aucott £300 and he must pay a £30 victim surcharge, £85 costs and a £150 court charge. He was also disqualified from driving for 14 months.