Disabled Blackpool driver's drink drive ban

A drunk disability scooter driver who caused mayhem drove away from the court when he had just been banned.
Blackpool Magistrates CourtBlackpool Magistrates Court
Blackpool Magistrates Court

Disabled 56-year-old Steven Walker’s blatant gesture came after he was banned from highways for 18 months.

As he left the building he quipped;”I don’t need a licence for this.”

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District Judge Margaret McCormack had specially convened a court in a corridor at Blackpool Magistrates Court after Walker’s electrically-powered buggy could not get through any courtroom doors.
 Walker, of Aysgarth Court Marton, had admitted driving on Highfield Road ,Blackpool. He had been drinking vodka and orange and decided to drive to the fish and chip shop.

Pam Smith,prosecuting, told how Walker – who has previous convictions for drink driving – was seen travelling ‘at speed’ along the pavement.

A woman walking her dog has to jump out of his way and second later Walker crashed his buggy, provided and insured by Motability, into a Citroen Picasso, causing £450 damage.

The Citroen driver and two passengers were unhurt in the collision. Walker was left lying in the road and his £6,700 scooter was written off.

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After being treated in hospital, epilepsy sufferer Walker was arrested and a urine test revealed he was over the limit.

The prosecutor added: “When Walker had his near-miss with the dog and its owner, the witness said she noticed how fast he was driving and then was given a torrent of abuse as he drove past.”

When interviewed, Walker said he had no idea how much he had drunk, or his speed.

Hugh Pond, defending, said: “It surprises me he is driving at all considering his various medical problems. He has had a stroke and has a metal plate in his leg. He wishes to take the drink impaired drivers’ course to try and cut short the period of his ban.

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“He has got the new scooter which you see him in today but that will have to go back.”

Judge McCormack said Walker could apply for the course and as well as the ban, imposed a £150 fine and £105 costs.

She told him:”I bear in mind this is not the first time you have done this.”

As court staff prepared to ring for a taxi or ambulance to take disqualified Walker back home, he used his buggy to go past them onto the forecourt and across the road.