Anthony Yallop crashed into tree in Swaffham while over drink-drive limit

A man has been banned from driving for more than two years after getting behind the wheel while drunk following an argument with a family member.

Anthony Yallop, 39, crashed his car into a tree on Downham Road, Swaffham on February 5.

A member of the public immediately reported the incident to police, with officers arriving soon afterwards.

They suspected that Yallop was under the influence and asked him to carry out a roadside breath test, which he failed - leading to his arrest.

Evidential tests later revealed he had 112mcg of alcohol per 100ml of breath in his system, exceeding the legal drink-driving limit of 35mcg.

Yallop, of Abbey Close in Wendling, appeared at Lynn Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, where he pleaded guilty to the offence.

Mitigating, duty solicitor Andrew Cogan said: “It is fair to say that this has been a complete turning point for Mr Yallop.”

Mr Cogan said the defendant lost his job following the crash.

He has since taken advice from a wellbeing service and has volunteered at The Matthew Project, a drug and alcohol recovery service based in Norwich.

“He has reached that crossroads - he wants to go straight ahead, not turn left or right,” Mr Cogan added.

Yallop’s offence meant he fell into a community order bracket when being sentenced, but magistrates were told that while he is fit and able to carry out unpaid work, he suffers with depression.

Mr Cogan said a contributing factor to Yallop drinking and driving in February was an argument with his relative. He had left their home to stay at a hotel and drank before returning “as a bit of Dutch courage”.

“He has come across to me while I have been taking instructions as very remorseful,” Mr Cogan said.

“He is realistic - he knows he has to pay the price.

“It is a lesson that he has clearly learned. He is incredibly unlikely to be bothering you or your colleagues again.”

Magistrates disqualified Yallop from driving for 28 months, but offered him a drink-driving awareness course which, if completed, will reduce that period by around 28 weeks.

He will also pay a £200 fine, £80 victim surcharge and £105 in court costs.