Lorry driver's 150-mile journey to Wisbech while three times the limit

A lorry was driven 150 miles to Wisbech by a man almost three times the alcohol limit, a court has heard.

Police were tipped off about Cristinel Leicu, 52, as he arrived at Port of Wisbech.

He had driven from the Cheshire area, King’s Lynn Magistrates’ Court heard on Thursday.

Prosecutor Simone Walsh said police were directed to the DAF heavy goods vehicle by port staff.

“The driver was sitting in the driver’s seat,” she said. “Officers noted his eyes were red and they could smell intoxicating liquor on his breath as he spoke.”

A roadside test indicated 109 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath, the legal limit being 35.

Leicu was arrested and taken to King’s Lynn Police Investigation Centre where an evidential reading of 100 micrograms was taken.

Miss Walsh said: “The defendant said: "I had 100 grams of vodka and two beers. That was at 7pm last night.’”

Leicu, of Hope Street, Crewe, pleaded guilty to drink-driving in Nene Parade, Wisbech, on March 16.

Solicitor George Sorrell, defending, said: “There are aggravating factors such as the fact he was driving an articulated heavy goods vehicle over a long distance, to Wisbech from the Crewe area, and that he was working at the time.

“I can’t offer any mitigation as to the circumstances of the case because it’s appalling to consider the danger he posed during that journey, which he does realise and for which he’s full of remorse.”

The court was told that Leicu was driving for a Stoke-on-Trent firm which had subsequently suspended him pending the outcome of the case.

Mr Sorrell said the defendant would lose his job as a result of the conviction and asked the bench to take into account Leicu’s previous clean record.

The case was adjourned to June 1 for preparation of a pre-sentence report.

An interim driving ban was imposed and Leicu was granted unconditional bail.