A man with a history of carrying weapons, who once hid a sword in his wardrobe, has been banned from driving after being caught drink-driving. Dominic McGlen, 30, was spotted by police speeding, driving on the wrong side of the road, and nearly mounting a grass verge in Walbottle.
Previous Offences
Last year, police searched McGlen's home in Lemington and found a sword and a jar of cannabis. He claimed the sword was an antique from his father. In November, he was fined for those offences. McGlen has three previous convictions for possessing weapons in public.
Latest Incident
On May 22, officers saw McGlen's BMW speeding at 50mph in a 40mph zone on North Walbottle Road. He crossed the central white lines and almost went onto a grass verge. After failing a roadside breath test, he was arrested. A later test showed 74mcg of alcohol per 100ml of breath, more than double the legal limit of 35mcg.
Court Appearance
McGlen, now of Howarth Terrace, Haswell, County Durham, pleaded guilty to driving with excess alcohol. Newcastle Magistrates' Court heard he has 28 offences on his record, including a 2016 drug-driving conviction. His solicitor said McGlen had been socializing with friends and felt okay to drive but clearly was not.
McGlen was banned from driving for three years, fined £120, and ordered to pay £85 costs and a £48 victim surcharge.
