Moped rider crashed while twice the legal limit

A moped rider has lost his licence after he crashed while twice the legal drink drive limit.

Police were called to reports a Piaggio-Vespa had crashed in Teversham Drift, Cambridge at about 2.25am on 7 January last year (2023).

The rider, 33-year-old Joshua Newman, of Greystoke Road, Cambridge, was found lying on the pavement being treated for facial injuries by members of the public after his helmet had fallen off.

While at the hospital, Newman provided a breath test sample of 97 microgrammes, more than twice the legal limit of 35 microgrammes per 100 millilitres of breath.

He went on to provide an evidential blood sample of 154 milligrams. The legal limit is 80 milligrams.

At Cambridge Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday (4 December), Newman was disqualified from driving for 22 months and issued a £890 fine after pleading guilty to drink driving.

PC Doug McColm, from the Road Policing Unit, said: “Newman put his life, as well as the lives of other road users, at risk when he made the decision to get on his moped while over the limit. Drink and drugs severely impair your judgement, slows reactions and reduces the field of vision.”

The case comes as part of the force's festive campaign cracking down on drink and drug drivers, with a warning that doing so could destroy lives forever.

Throughout December, officers are carrying out roadside checks across the county and people are also being reminded of the 24/7 confidential, dedicated hotline to report drink and drug drivers on 0800 032 0845. If someone is in immediate danger, always call 999.

For information about drink or drug driving, the law and the dangers it can cause, visit the force's dedicated web page.