Mercedes driver arrested after going wrong way down A19 had been drinking

An unlicensed motorist who drove the wrong way down the A19 after drinking has been banned from the roads.
The driver was reported to police after being seen driving the wrong way down the A19 and doing a u-turn.The driver was reported to police after being seen driving the wrong way down the A19 and doing a u-turn.
The driver was reported to police after being seen driving the wrong way down the A19 and doing a u-turn.

Iranian national Omid Yusfi Hussain, 27, was seen driving a Mercedes on the incorrect side of the dual carriageway near Middlesbrough on October 15, Teesside Magistrates Court heard.

After being pulled over by police, he was found to not have a driving licence or insurance and failed a breath test.

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Joanne Hesse, prosecuting, told the court: “The defendant was reported at eight minutes past three travelling the wrong way down the A19 and was observed to do a u-turn.”

Police on patrol then saw the car travelling along the wrong side of Newport Road.

“It was indicated to stop which it did at the back of Lidl,” added Ms Hesse.

“The driver ran out on to the road. He was detained and a roadside breath test confirmed a positive reading.

“He was cautioned and arrested.”

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Another breath test at the police station gave a lowest reading of 54 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath. The legal limit is 35 microgrammes.

Hussain, of The Causeway, Billingham, admitted drink driving, and having no insurance or licence.

Defending solicitor Neil Douglas said in mitigation: “I acknowledge there are aggravating features. Mr Hussain has no formal status or income.

“He has been in the UK for five years. Clearly, he has no business driving in the UK.”

District Judge Helen Cousins banned Hussian for 16 months and fined him £120.

He was also ordered to pay £85 court costs and a £32 surcharge.