A ski instructor broke his ankle when his brother lost control of the car they were travelling in after drinking following his grandmother’s funeral.
Thomas Mellor, 30, of Stringer House Lane, Emley, pleaded guilty to driving above the alcohol limit when he appeared at Kirklees Magistrates’ Court.
Alex Bozman, prosecuting, said the defendant lost control of his Seat car at 3.50pm on January 12 at Chapel Lane, Huddersfield, after consuming more than twice the legal limit of alcohol.
He said Mellor lost control of the car which “came to rest on the wrong side of the road.”
In mitigation, his solicitor Bob Carr described it as a “sad story.”
He added: “Unfortunately he had been to his grandmother’s funeral at 11am. There was a wake afterwards.”
Mr Carr said that while driving home with his brother another vehicle headed towards Mellor on the wrong side of the road which he swerved to avoid.
Mr Carr added: “His brother broke an ankle. He is a qualified ski instructor and that has caused him and his family some distress.”
The court heard that Mellor works for a company which involved him travelling the length and breadth of the country.
But Mr Carr added: “He said his job is not at risk but he can’t travel by public transport as he has so many tools to carry.”
Mellor was described as being a man of previous good character.
Mr Carr said: “He is a responsible young man.”
District Judge Michael Fanning said the injury to the defendant’s brother was an aggravating factor.
He disqualified Mellor from driving for 18 months but said he could go on a rehabilitation course which if successfully completed would be reduced by 18 weeks.
In addition he was fined £400 plus told to pay costs of £125.
