A learner driver in Newcastle has been hit with multiple offences after allegedly abandoning a broken-down vehicle and attempting to flee police in Jesmond this morning.
The incident unfolded around 7:05 AM when officers patrolling Newcastle Road noticed a Ford Fairlane stalled in the middle of the road, obstructing traffic. As police stopped to assist, the 17-year-old driver and his two passengers, aged 15 and 16, allegedly ran from the vehicle in an apparent attempt to avoid detection. Officers pursued the trio on foot and arrested them nearby. While the two passengers were released shortly afterward, the driver’s troubles were only beginning.
Upon inspecting the vehicle, police issued five infringement notices, including failing to carry a licence, not displaying L plates, driving unaccompanied as a learner, operating an unsafe vehicle, and failing to comply with tyre standards. A defect notice was issued for the car, and it was towed from the scene to clear the roadway.
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The situation escalated when the driver underwent a roadside breath test, allegedly returning a positive result. He was taken to Waratah Police Station, where a secondary breath analysis reportedly showed a reading of 0.143, placing him in the mid-range PCA category. In addition to alcohol, the driver allegedly tested positive for an illicit drug in an oral fluid test. A secondary sample has been sent for analysis to confirm the result.
Following these tests, the learner driver was issued a court attendance notice for driving with a mid-range PCA and driving with a mid-range PCA while also under the influence of an illicit drug. His licence has been suspended, and he is scheduled to appear before the court on Thursday, 1 May 2025.
As police continue to crack down on dangerous driving behaviour, incidents like this serve as a stark reminder of the risks associated with unlicensed and impaired driving. Authorities are urging all drivers, particularly young and inexperienced motorists, to take road safety seriously and abide by the law.
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