'˜Stinking' drunk Gosport mobility scooter user banned from using vehicle for year

A '˜stinking' drunk mobility scooter user who crashed before slumping on the floor has been banned from using his motorised vehicle for a year by magistrates.
Picture: Ian Nicholson/PA WirePicture: Ian Nicholson/PA Wire
Picture: Ian Nicholson/PA Wire

Alexander McFarlane, 60, propelled his scooter along Rowner Lane in Gosport at 4mph before he lost control and nosedived onto the ground.

Portsmouth Magistrates' Court heard the defendant was spotted by members of the public in the road motionless before they called police, prosecutor Lucy Linington said.

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'˜He was seen lying on the floor next to the scooter with the key to the ignition still in his hand and the engine running,' Ms Linington said.

Picture: Ian Nicholson/PA WirePicture: Ian Nicholson/PA Wire
Picture: Ian Nicholson/PA Wire

'˜The people went to give him first aid but realised he was very drunk and called the police.

'˜When the police arrived he was slumped over his scooter and stunk of alcohol before he was arrested.'

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McFarlane, of Turner Avenue, Gosport, was charged with driving while unfit through drink '“ which he pleaded guilty to in court '“ and was described as having a '˜high alcohol reading'.

The exact reading was not revealed in court.

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Defending, Sarah Hallett, said it was an '˜unfortunate situation' which McFarlane regretted. '˜It shouldn't have happened but the scooter can only do 4mph,' she said.

The defendant had been drinking at the Bridgemary Bowling Club in Gosport.

The court was told that his scooter was bought by friends who clubbed together from his local club to help him get around.

McFarlane was banned from driving his scooter for 12-months and fined £100 and told to pay a surcharge of £30.

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Chair of the bench Philip Burns said: '˜This  is rather an unusual case. It was a high reading so we are obliged to disqualify you from using your scooter.

'˜If you are caught driving on the road or pavement then you will be brought back to court and may be sent to custody.'

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