Two motorists were disqualified from driving following hearings at the North Staffordshire Justice Centre, with magistrates imposing bans, fines and costs after separate incidents that drew attention to road safety and repeat offending in the area.
Drink-driving case in Chell Heath
A 42-year-old man from Chell Heath was handed a 12-month driving ban after admitting drink-driving and driving without a licence. Prosecutors told the court officers had observed the vehicle travelling slowly, swerving and nearly clipping the kerb on 13 June on Chell Heath Road.
"His eyes were glazed and he smelt of alcohol. He was the sole occupant. He was arrested and taken to custody."
The defendant recorded a breath reading of 44 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath, above the legal limit of 35. He told magistrates he had not intended to drive without supervision and said he was merely parking near his home, adding that he had family responsibilities.
Magistrates ordered a fine of £120, prosecution costs of £85 and a surcharge of £48. The driving ban may be reduced by a quarter if the driver completes a recognised drink-drivers' rehabilitation course.
Failure to provide specimen in Weston Coyney
In a separate hearing, a 55-year-old man from Weston Coyney was disqualified for 52 months after pleading guilty to failing to provide a breath specimen when arrested on suspicion of drink-driving on 19 April 2025.
"He attempted to blow. I would say it was not an attempt to blow. These machines are designed for people with asthma and COPD. He just failed to provide."
Police had located the vehicle following information they received about a suspected drink-driver. The defendant told officers he suffered from a medical condition. The court heard he had previous convictions for failing to provide, including a November 2025 offence that led to a three-year ban.
Magistrates imposed a court bill totalling £1,817. Defence mitigation noted the medical issues and past difficulties the defendant has faced.
What this means for local drivers
These cases underline two recurring themes in road policing locally: impairment behind the wheel and the consequences of refusing breath tests. Courts have limited tolerance for repeat offences, and penalties can include lengthy bans, substantial fines and costs, and the possibility of extended disqualification where prior convictions exist.
- Drink-driving limit: 35 micrograms of alcohol per 100ml of breath in England and Wales.
- Possible outcomes: fines, costs, surcharge, disqualification, and referral to a drink-drivers' rehabilitation course.
- Refusing or failing to provide: can attract harsher sentences, particularly for repeat offenders.
| Defendant (area) | Offence | Penalty |
|---|---|---|
| Teklezghi Okbagebriel (Chell Heath) | Drink-driving; driving without licence | 12-month ban; £120 fine; £85 costs; £48 surcharge |
| Paul Powell (Weston Coyney) | Failing to provide breath specimen | 52-month ban; £1,817 court bill |
Anyone stopped by police on suspicion of drink-driving should be aware of their legal duties and the potential criminal and civil consequences of refusing or failing to comply with breath tests. Local residents with concerns about road safety can report issues to Staffordshire Police or contact their local councillors to press for targeted enforcement in problem areas.
