Cheshire: Drink driver drove down street at speed

Quinn Hughes was driving with nearly two times the legal amount of alcohol in his system through Warrington town centre and later resisted arrest from officers.

Warrington Magistrates’ Court heard how Hughes was charged with four offences including obstructing a police officer, driving when above the legal alcohol limit, driving uninsured and driving dangerously.

Prosecuting, Angela Blackmore, said that on January 29, 2022, an officer was near Postern Gate at about 3.30am.

They noticed a vehicle travelling towards them on Friars Gate. The officer moved towards the car, raised their left arm and noted that Hughes ‘couldn’t miss my presence’.

The car then turned right onto Bridge Street, ‘narrowly missing’ revellers.

Hughes, 22, was said to be driving at 40mph before driving through a red light.

Another officer made their colleagues aware as the drunk driver was seen on Academy Way and then Mersey Street.

An officer later stopped him and told the driver he had to do a breath test.

The defendant then asked if he could make a call to his girlfriend and he was said be ‘avoiding’ providing the specimen and he was being ‘actively obstructive’.

Hughes, of Windmill Lane in Preston Brook, then pushed away from the officers attempting to escape and was ‘actively resisting’ before being restrained.

He was then taken to a police station where alcohol was found in his system.

CCTV of the incident was played in court which showed various angles of Hughes ‘stopping and starting’.

Ms Blackmore added that she accepts he slowed down on the corner when turning onto Bridge Street.

Hughes has one previous offence involving excess alcohol.

Defending Hughes, Mark Lever said: “It’s clear to me that he slowed right down as you can see all of the brake lights on.

“He has had no issues with drink and drugs.”

The court heard how during the pandemic, Hughes was working for Halton Borough Council as a grave digger which was said to be very traumatic and affected him mentally.

Mr Lever added: “That perhaps precipitated his drinking.”

Police pictured on Bridge Street at night

He did add that Hughes is more than 100 days drug clean.

“He has taken extensive steps himself,” said Mr Lever.

“I think this young man has demonstrated some commitment to sorting out his own problems.”

He added that Hughes is very embarrassed and ashamed to be in court.

Chair of the magistrates’ panel Stephen Walter said: “These offences are very serious indeed. It’s also very poor behaviour to obstruct a police officer.

“All of these behaviours are totally unacceptable.”

Hughes was sentenced to an 18-month community order, 35 days of rehabilitation activity requirements, a three-month drug rehabilitation requirement, 180 hours of unpaid work, a three-year driving ban and he must pay £345 worth of costs to the court.