Four Hampshire drink drivers banned from the roads

Enjoying a festive tipple had serious repercussions for those caught on roads in and around Southampton in December.

From speeding on residential roads to being involved in a crash and leaving the scene, drivers admitted several offences between them.

Here are four drink driving cases heard at Southampton Magistrates’ Court

Samantha Oatley

Samantha Oatley (Image: Newsquest)

Samantha Oatley, 53, had been drinking at the Old Mill pub in Holbury on December 1 when she drove off and ploughed into a blue Kia.

Oatley, of The Saplings in Holbury, was approached by officers because of her behaviour.

Prosecuting, Anisa Alrubaie told the court how Oatley ‘became aggressive’ towards officers and was later arrested.

But mitigating, Simon Collingham said she is ‘deeply remorseful and ashamed’.

He said: “She hugely regrets it, and it is a learning experience. She is of exemplary character.

“She’s had a very difficult period and that was her catalyst for what she described as an unhealthy relationship with alcohol.”

Oatley had a reading of 85 mcg of alcohol in breath, the legal limit is 35. 

She pleaded guilty to one count of driving a motor vehicle when alcohol above the legal limit. 

Oatley was handed a 20-month driving ban and ordered to pay a fine of £108, along with £85 court costs and a £48 surcharge.

Mahamadou Camara

Mahamadou Camara (Image: Newsquest)

Audi driver Mahamadou Camara had a provisional licence when he was caught at the wheel with alcohol in his system.

Camara, of Liverpool Road, Reading, was driving along Above Bar Street in the early hours of December 3.

Camara, 23, had three passengers in the vehicle, which was not insured.

He was clocked by patrolling officers as he had no lights on.

Prosecuting, Victoria Hill said: “Officers found he only held a provisional licence and Camara told them he had his driving test the next week.

“He was arrested and taken to police custody.”

Camara had a reading of 47 mcg of alcohol in breath, the legal limit is 35. 

He pleaded guilty to one count of driving a motor vehicle when alcohol above the legal limit. 

David Storry, mitigating Camara, said the alcohol in his breath was ‘a legacy of his drinking the previous evening.’

He added: “It’s a lesson to him and he will learn from what happened.”

Chair of the magistrates Karen Denyer-Hampton disqualified Camara from driving for 12 months and ordered him to pay £450, a surcharge of £166, and £85 court costs.

Lucas Datson

Lucas Datson (Image: Newsquest)

Lucas Datson, 21, of Elsanta Crescent in Fareham, sped away from a police officer in the early hours of the morning after he had been drinking.

He was driving on Toynbee Road in Eastleigh when he was approached.

Prosecuting, Victoria Hill said the officer tried to catch up with the defendant who, the officer said, ‘drove away really fast’.

She added: “The defendant pulled over and the officer immediately smelt alcohol.

“The defendant denied drinking any alcohol, but after a test he was arrested and taken to the police station.”

Datson had a reading of 56 mcg of alcohol in breath, the legal limit is 35. 

He pleaded guilty to one count of driving a motor vehicle when alcohol above the legal limit. 

Representing himself, Datson told chair of the magistrates' Karen Denyer-Hampton that life without his car would be ‘very difficult’.

But he was banned from driving for 14 months, ordered to pay a fine of £450, £85 costs and a £180 surcharge.

Ms Denyer-Hampton said: “Do not drink and drive, or drive like you are in a game. It is serious.”

Christopher Bullock

Christopher Bullock (Image: Newsquest)

Christopher Bullock, 25, was driving his girlfriend’s car when he was involved in a crash and did not stay at the scene.

He was driving an Audi on Barton Court Avenue in New Milton on December 3 when he did not give way at a junction.

Bullock, of Bramshaw Way in Barton-on-Sea, collided with a Vauxhall and did not remain at the scene, according to prosecutor Anthony McCafferty.

He told the court: “A police officer attended the scene and found the Vauxhall driver had sustained minor injuries.”

Bullock had a reading of 81 mcg of alcohol in breath, the legal limit is 35. 

He pleaded guilty to one count of driving a motor vehicle when alcohol above the legal limit and one count of using a motor vehicle without third party insurance. 

Mitigating, Will Day said the decision to drive was made as Bullock and his girlfriend had spent their money at the pub, so could not get a taxi.

He said: “They consumed too much alcohol and neither should have driven that car.

“He is upset that he has let himself down and posed a risk to other people.”

Chris Willsher, chair of the magistrates, handed him a three-and-a-half-year driving ban.

He was also told to pay a fine of £403, a £161 surcharge, and costs of £85.