Medic's Drink-Drive Crash Leaves Cabbie with Serious Injuries
A doctor training to become a consultant has been sentenced after a drink-driving incident that left a taxi driver with serious injuries. Nayer Youakim, a 37-year-old ear, nose and throat registrar, was double the legal alcohol limit when he drove onto the wrong side of the road and crashed head-on into a taxi.
The collision occurred on Beach Road in North Shields just before midnight on 24 November 2024. Youakim, who is based in Carlisle but also works at hospitals in Whitehaven and Penrith, told police at the scene he had consumed "not too much, two pints".
Court Hears Details of the Horror Collision
Prosecutor Lucy Todd told Newcastle Crown Court that the taxi driver had just dropped off a passenger and was heading home when he was "dazed by headlights coming towards him" before the impact. The force of the crash spun the taxi across the road, while Youakim's vehicle ended up on the pavement.
The cab driver was rushed to hospital with a catalogue of injuries, including:
- A fractured shoulder and arm
- A swollen hip
- Suspected broken ribs
In a victim impact statement, the man said he was angered by the event and faced a long recovery, but added: "I feel very lucky to be alive." Tests revealed Youakim had 72 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath, more than twice the legal limit of 35 micrograms.
Suspended Sentence for 'Extraordinary Lapse of Judgement'
Youakim, of Lady Byron Lane, Solihull, admitted charges of causing serious injury by dangerous driving and drink driving. Defending, Laura Miller described the incident as an "extraordinary lapse of judgement" and "very much out of character", stating her client felt genuine remorse and had sought help to understand his actions.
Recorder Mark McKone KC, sentencing, acknowledged Youakim's important work as a doctor who had "done a lot of good for many people". He noted that an immediate custodial sentence would likely end Youakim's consultant training and lead to him being struck off by the General Medical Council (GMC).
Youakim was sentenced to 18 months in prison, suspended for two years. He must also complete 250 hours of unpaid work, pay £150 in costs, and is banned from driving for two years. He will be required to pass an extended driving test before his licence is returned.
