Man sentenced for being three times over drink drive limit

A man has been disqualified from driving for 25 months after driving an HGV whilst under the influence of alcohol. 

Liam Stapleton, aged 30, and of Darris Close, Hayes appeared at Norwich Magistrates Court today (Tuesday 4 June 2024) and pleaded guilty to drink driving, having provided an evidential breath sample of 104mcg.

Stapleton was stopped by police during Operation Tramline on 25 April 2024. Operation Tramline, supported by National Highways, sees officers provided with an HGV tractor unit by National Highways which allows teams to carry out patrols across the county’s strategic road network and focus on offences committed by lorry drivers.

Shortly after 11am, officers noticed Stapleton swerving between lanes and driving poorly on the A47, heading towards Little Melton.

Stapleton was stopped by police on Watton Road and arrested on suspicion of drink driving after providing a roadside breath sample of 115 per 100 millilitres of breath. He was then taken to Wymondham Police Investigation Centre for questioning and later charged with drink driving, having provided an evidential breath sample of 104mcg per 100 millilitres of breath. The legal limit is 35.

On Tuesday 4 June 2024, he was disqualified from driving for 25 months. He was also ordered to pay a £200 fine, £85 in costs and a victim surcharge of £80.

Arresting officer, PC Craig Scott said: “Stapleton put Norfolk’s road users at serious risk by choosing to drive his vehicle whilst under the influence of alcohol. He could have caused catastrophic harm to both himself and those travelling around him.

“There is never an excuse for drink driving. It is unacceptable and we will continue to work to ensure that those choosing to do so will be prosecuted.”