Driver’s shame

Dramatic scene . . . the stranded lorry after it careered off the road

Crash man was over limit

A DRINK driver who ploughed through a drystone wall and landed on the former railway line in Shaw has been slapped with a 16-month ban.

Oldham magistrates heard yesterday how Stephen Naylor (48), from Blackpool, drank a couple of bottles of wine with his partner the night before careering down the 20ft embankment on Milnrow Road.

The drama unfolded at 6.10am on Friday October 8, causing commuter chaos as police closed Jubilee bend.

Defence solicitor Ian Owen told the court how Naylor had thought he was starting work at 6am, only to find he had to leave the house earlier than expected to be at the depot by 4am. Naylor suffered five broken ribs during the smash that left the trailer jutting into the air.

A police breath test registered 56mg in 100ml of breath. The legal limit is 35mg.

Magistrates said that a professional driver of his experience should know better and understand the law regarding drinking the night before driving.

In court Naylor, who also cares for his disabled partner, said: “I totally regret what happened and it won’t happen again.

“I’ve spoilt my own and my partner’s livelihood. I want to put it behind me.”

Naylor pleaded guilty to driving without due care and attention and driving with an alcohol level above the legal limit.

He will have to pay a fine and costs totalling £200 as well as being disqualified for 16 months.

The train line is currently closed due to Metrolink replacement works.