Took friend’s car without permission

A drink-driver took his friend’s car without permission to go to the shop and buy more alcohol, a court heard.

Police stopped a Hyundai Coupe at around 2am on May 3 because it was driving along High Street in Buxton without any lights on, prosecutor Jennifer Fitzgerald told High Peak Magistrates’ Court.
Driver Lewis Morley failed a roadside breath test so was arrested and taken to Buxton police station where he provided a reading of 57. The legal limit is 35.

He initially told police his name was Kyle Holmes and the vehicle was his, before later admitting in interview that he had taken Mr Holmes’ vehicle without permission.

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He said he had drunk six cans of Carlsberg, five shots of Tequila and a shot of Jack Daniels over a four hour period before deciding, at around 1.30am, to go out and get more alcohol from Tesco Express.

The 20-year-old admitted drink-driving, taking a vehicle without the owner’s consent and using a vehicle without insurance.

James Riley, defending, said: “He’s never had any trouble with the police or courts in the past. It is through his own stupid fault he loses his good character now.

“He knows how stupid and reckless his behaviour was. It is totally out of character. He tried to do everyone a favour. It was stupid and foolish in drink, he thought ‘I know, I’ll go and get some more booze. What is the easiest way? I’ll get in the car and go and get it.’

“He knows how seriously these offences are viewed by the court.”

The case was adjourned for pre-sentence reports and Morley, of High Street, Eckington, will be sentenced on June 9.