Dagenham drink driver set to lose caretaking job
A caretaker is set to lose his job after driving a van while twice above the drink drive limit.
Ricky Vernage, 43, was handed a 30-month driving ban and left with a �525 court bill after police stopped him in Green Lane near Dagenham at 1.50am.
Vernage, of Adomar Road, Dagenham, claimed that medication he had taken for a leg ailment had pushed him above the drink driving limit.
The Barking and Dagenham caretaker was sentenced for another motoring offence in 2007. He now stands to lose his caretaking job, which requires driving.
His solicitor Sophie Williams said: “He informs me he’s on medication for his leg. He believes this must have brought up his level to above the limit.
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“He has been caretaking and working in security for the last 10 years. Due to his stupidity, he will lose his job.”
Barkingside magistrate Ian Bristow slammed Vernage, saying he could have put the public at risk.
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Mr Bristow said: “Drink driving is totally unacceptable behaviour and can put the public in danger, therefore we must disqualify you here today.”
He added: “Pay the money, get this behind you and get on with your life.”
Vernage drove a VW Caddy van from Manor Park to Green Lane, Ilford, on October 15.
Police stopped him and tests showed he had 69 microgrammes of alchohol in 100ml of breath, above the 35 microgramme legal limit.
The dad-of-three was given a �400 fine, �85 prosecution costs and a �40 surcharge after pleaded guilty to drink driving at Barkingside Magistrates’ Court yesterday.
