Blackpool: From the courts 02-04-18

Michael Rush, 31, drink-driving

A branch manager who was over the alcohol limit was found asleep in his car by police at Blackpool.

Michael Rush, 31, of Honeybourne Place, Leeds, pleaded guilty to driving with drink-driving.

He was banned from the road for 12 months, fined £341 with £85 costs and ordered to pay £34 victims’ surcharge.

Prosecutor, Martine Connah, said police saw a black BMW parked opposite the Hellfire bar, Queens Square March 7, at 5.20am.

When the police patrol returned 20 minutes later they saw the BMW had reversed about 10 feet.

The engine was running, the lights were on and Rush had his head slumped back and was asleep.

A breath test showed 50 micrograms of alcohol in his body – 35 is the limit.

Rush’s defence lawyer said his client, who had no previous convictions, was branch manager for a firm of commercial building suppliers and in charge of six of the firm’s other branches.

He had been in Blackpool for a works conference and at the end of that there was a dinner for delegates at which he drank some beer and wine.

Rush later felt sober and fit to drive. He decided to drive early back to the branch in Leeds. On the way he stopped at a shop to get and eat some breakfast but then nodded off.

John Lawn, 64, and Julie Lawn, 58, breach of an enforcement notice

A couple accused of breaking planning regulations have appeared at court.

The defendants are: John Lawn, 64, formerly of Midgeland Road, Marton, now living at Medlock Avenue, Fleetwood, and Julie Lawn, 58, of Carandaw Farm, School Road, Marton

They are accused of breaching an enforcement notice issued on July 22 2016 by Blackpool Council to remove a caravan being used as a residence at Carandaw Farm.

The defendants’ lawyer was not able to be present and the case was adjourned to April 11.

Application for dog to be destroyed

Lancashire Police has applied for the destruction of an alleged pitbull type dog called Boss which is owned by a 17-year-old girl from Station Road, South Shore.

At a court hearing, police lawyer Sharon Cottam, said an expert had deemed the dog to be aggressive.

Kathryn Jamieson-Sinclair, defending, said the defence wanted their own expert to carry out a full assessment of the dog, which had been seized and put in kennels.

The case was adjourned to April 25.