Drink-driver banned for two years after 'numbing toothache with alcohol'
He had 96 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath - the legal limit is 35mcg
Last updated 21st Apr 2026
A drink-driver who consumed alcohol to numb the pain of toothache has been banned from the road for two years.
Stephen Hoskins, aged 64, was behind the wheel of a Ford Focus Zetec which was stopped by police who were in a marked patrol vehicle, on London Road in Carlisle, just before 3pm on 14th March.
Intelligence suggested the driver might be under the influence of alcohol. As the door of Hoskins’ vehicle was opened and he was spoken to, police detected a strong smell of alcohol.
Hoskins, of Semple Road, Carlisle, failed a roadside test. The lower of two evidential samples showed the presence of 96 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath. The legal limit is 35mcg.
At the city’s magistrates’ court today (tues), Hoskins pleaded guilty to drink-driving.
Mitigation was provided by defence lawyer Lauren Heasley. “The defendant tells me he was drinking alcohol into the early hours of the date of this offence,” said Miss Heasley.
“He was suffering from toothache. The alcohol was doing something to numb the pain. The following morning he didn’t have anything to eat, due to the pain.”
Hoskins set off in the car on a planned journey of around a mile to an Asda store when he was stopped by police. “He was fully compliant with the test procedure, and surprised by the level of the reading,” said Miss Heasley.
Hoskins was a registered carer for his wife, the court heard.
Magistrates imposed a community order through which he must complete 80 hours’ unpaid work.
He was also given a 24-month driving ban. Magistrates offered him a chance to complete a drink-drive rehabilitation course which, if completed by a specified date, will cut his disqualification by 24 weeks.