Swineshead driver found with car on edge of ‘substantial drop’ in Pinchbeck

Police who found a car on the brink of a “substantial drop” could not get a breath sample from the driver.

Officers came across Nathan Derry (35) in Wardentree Lane, Pinchbeck, at about 3am on April 8.

Prosecutor Paul Wood told Boston Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday: “The defendant was found by police next to his vehicle, which was just off the road, balanced with a front wheel over a fairly substantial 20 feet drop.

“Drink was suspected.”

Derry, of High Street, Swineshead, failed to provide a roadside breath test and was arrested.

“Back at the station, he refuses in forthright terms,” said Mr Wood, who described one failed attempt to blow into the machine.

Derry pleaded guilty to failing to provide a specimen for analysis.

In mitigation, Phillipa Chatterton said her client had mental health difficulties on that day and his behaviour was very much out of character.

“He’d given up on life,” she added.

The court was told Derry was “deeply remorseful” and would lose his job as a result of the mandatory disqualification. He was banned for one year, which can be cut with completion of a drink-driver rehabilitation course.

A fine of £120 and costs and victim surcharge totalling £133 were also imposed.