Sheep farmer given 12-month ban for drink-driving

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 19 Oct, 11:31 · Archive

A 68-year-old sheep farmer has been banned from driving for 12 months after being caught with 56 micrograms of alcohol in his breath, exceeding the legal limit of 35 micrograms.

David Birbeck, a 68-year-old sheep farmer with no previous convictions, appeared at Carlisle Magistrates' Court after being stopped by police in Kirkby Stephen at around 6.30pm on 15 September. Officers detected alcohol in his Dacia Duster on Faraday Road and requested a breath specimen. Birbeck failed a roadside breath test, with evidential readings at a police station showing 56 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath, above the legal driving limit of 35 micrograms.

There was no suggestion of bad driving before he was stopped. Police noted instead that the vehicle had no MoT certificate and was registered as off the road. Birbeck pleaded guilty in court. His defence lawyer said he had not drunk since the incident and was making positive changes in his life.

Magistrates imposed a 12-month disqualification. Birbeck was offered a place on a rehabilitation course which, if completed, will reduce the ban by 12 weeks. He must also pay a £230 fine, £85 prosecution costs and a £92 mandatory surcharge. His solicitor noted the ban would be particularly difficult given his occupation as a sheep farmer.

How it is being reported

• Police intercept drink driving sheep farmer in vehicle without MoTA SHEEP farmer has been given a 12-month roads ban after he was caught drink-driving in his home town.Westmorland Gazette · 19 Oct, 11:05
• Police intercept drink driving sheep farmer in vehicle without MoTA SHEEP farmer has been given a 12-month roads ban after he was caught drink-driving in his home town.Cumberland News · 19 Oct, 11:05

In this story: David Birbeck · Kirkby Stephen · Carlisle Magistrates' Court

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem