A Kenton car recovery mechanic was caught drink-driving after passing a ‘no entry’ sign. He lost his license for 17 months and faced fines in court.
Akim Okai didn’t see a police officer nearby. He was pulled over in his Mercedes. The officer asked him to take a roadside breath test, which he failed.
Okai, from Stapley View in Kenton, lost his license for 17 months. He pleaded guilty to driving with excess alcohol at Newcastle Magistrates’ Court. He was fined £500 and must pay £85 in costs and a £200 victim surcharge.
On January 4, an officer noticed Okai driving at high speed on Hanover Street. The officer followed him and saw him go through the “No Entry” sign. The officer turned on the blue lights and pulled him over.
Okai’s breath test showed 61mcg of alcohol in 100ml of breath. The legal limit is 35mcg. His lawyer said he had no past convictions.
The night before, Okai learned his dad had terminal cancer. He and his family stayed up drinking. Earlier that day, he had one pint. He didn’t think it was enough to put him over the limit.
