Man banned from driving for three years after drink-driving offence in Rotherham

Image credit: South Yorkshire Police

A Rotherham man has been disqualified from driving for three years after appearing before magistrates for a drink-driving offence committed earlier this winter.

Shaun Dearing, 57, was stopped by police while driving along Aldwark Lane in Rotherham on 17 November after his manner of driving attracted the attention of a roads policing officer on patrol in the area.

The officer became concerned after witnessing the vehicle swerving across the carriageway, prompting suspicions that the driver may have been under the influence of alcohol. Dearing was subsequently stopped at the roadside.

Police reported that they could immediately smell alcohol on Dearing’s breath, and a search of the vehicle revealed multiple empty alcohol cans inside the car.

Sheffield Magistrates’ Court disqualified a 57-year-old driver and fined him £1,000 following an incident that raised concerns from a roads policing officer.

Dearing was breathalysed at the scene and was found to be over the legal alcohol limit. He was arrested and later charged with drink-driving.

The case was heard at Sheffield Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday 16 December, where Dearing pleaded guilty to the offence.

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Magistrates imposed a three-year driving disqualification and ordered Dearing to pay a £1,000 fine, reflecting the seriousness of the offence and the potential risk posed to other road users.

Police continue to warn motorists that drink-driving remains a significant cause of serious collisions and fatalities, particularly during the winter months, and have reiterated that patrols and enforcement activity will remain in place across South Yorkshire.

Roads Policing Inspector Matt Collings said: “Sadly, we see the consequences of selfish drivers, risking their own and innocent people’s lives.

“While we stop, arrest and prosecute those who drink and drive every day, this December, we are upping our efforts to remind drivers of what they have to lose.

“You can kill yourself, or another person. You can lose your licence, your job and your family.

“During Christmas and New Year, we know that people are more likely to make poor decisions. We are asking you to plan ahead and make the right decisions - don’t get behind the wheel and ‘be a mate’ this festive season.

“If you suspect your friend or loved one of drink-driving, have a word, take their keys, book them a taxi, stop them and if you can’t, report it to us.

“We are out patrolling and while we can’t be everywhere, we can be anywhere.”