He was over twice the legal limit for alcohol
A LEISURE centre lifeguard drove his Alfa Romeo into a tree while over the drink-drive limit, a court has heard.
James McCormick, 30, of Bridgend, crashed into the tree and ended up in a ditch on the A4063 near Coytrahen, Bridgend, on February 26 this year.
McCormick, a lifeguard at Pencoed leisure centre, pleaded guilty at Cardiff Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday. The case was referred to the probation service for pre-sentence reports.
“A member of the public came across the defendant who had gone off the road and collided with a tree. The car ended up in a ditch,” prosecutor Robert Reid told the court.
He added that McCormick gave a sample of 92 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath, when the legal limit is 35.
McCormick had no previous convictions, the court was told.
Catherine Thompson, defending, said McCormick was suffering from the trauma of an assault.
“He was out celebrating his 30th birthday when he was assaulted and left with a bleed to the brain,” she said.
“Since that time, he has self-medicated with alcohol. He realises that this has to stop.”
McCormick was fined £149, ordered to pay £85 costs and a surcharge of £95. He was also made the subject of a community order.
