Drink driver gets four year ban

A DRINK-driver, who was nearly three times the legal limit when he crashed into parked cars has avoided jail, but been banned from the roads for four years.

Michael Tilbrook, 28, caused £10,000 of damage when he lost control of his Toyota Hilux in Central Road, Leiston, and crashed into six cars on October 24.

A breathalyser test showed he had 101mcg of alcohol in 100ml of breath. The legal limit is 35.

Tilbrook, of Leiston Road, Aldringham, pleaded guilty to drink-driving at a hearing earlier this month and was warned he could be sent to jail.

Yesterday, he appeared at Lowestoft Magistrates' Court where he was spared prison, but disqualified from driving for 48 months.

Tess James, prosecuting, said: “It was a very high reading and tremendous suffering was caused as a result of it; not just financially, but in clearing up the mess.”

Tilbrook was found asleep in his car following the crashes, which happened after he went drinking with friends in Leiston.

As he drove along Central Road, he hit a blue Ford Fiesta and pushed it up on to the pavement. He then carried along the road and collided with a parked Daewoo.

He then hit two Vauxhall Astras, a Vauxhall Cavalier and a Honda Civic before driving away towards Aldringham. He was later found asleep by police near a footpath off Aldeburgh Road.

Ed Proffitt, for Tilbrook, said his client, who has a previous conviction for drink-driving in 2004, had not intended to drive home when he went out.

“Essentially, what we have is a young man who has made a very foolish decision,” he added.

The court heard that Tilbrook would not be able to continue his work as a tree surgeon as a result of his driving ban, which magistrates set at four years because of his previous conviction.

Chairman of the bench Ralph Castleton said: “It was a high reading and lots of damage was done.”

Tilbrook was also ordered to carry out 200 hours of unpaid work and take part in a course for drink-drivers.