A DRINK-driver injured a woman when he crashed his car into a taxi during a high-speed police chase. John Royle, 35, was almost three times over the legal limit when he drove at speeds of up to 50mph through Hull, followed by police traffic officers, and smashed into a taxi.
He injured a female passenger, who had to have multiple stitches to her face and head as a result of her injuries. Now, Judge Jeremy Richardson QC has warned him he could face jail.
The judge told Royle: "There can be no question at all that you deserve to go to prison and that might well be the result. I want some time to consider what is to be done with you."
Hull Crown Court heard Humberside Police had received a call from a concerned member of the public saying they had seen a drunk man getting into a car who could "hardly stand up".
It happened on July 5 at 11.30pm, when Royle got into his wife's Vauxhall Vectra. Officers caught up with Royle in Southcoates Lane, east Hull, and saw him mount a kerb on the opposite side of the road. He then nearly crashed into the Highland Laddie Pub.
The court heard the officers struggled to keep up with the car, which was being driven erratically. Royle struck the taxi in Preston Road.
The woman passenger was taken to Hull Royal Infirmary and needed seven stitches to her face and 12 stitches to her head. She was forced to have her head shaved in order to have her stitches and also suffered pains to her chest from her seatbelt.
Royle, of Wingfield Road, east Hull, only had a provisional driving licence. He told the police he could only recall travelling along the road and a car coming towards him and his airbag going off.
Royle told them: "I'm really sorry. I regret my actions."
He has pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, drink-driving and driving not in accordance with a licence.
Royle's alcohol reading was 98 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath. The legal limit is 35 microgrammes of alcohol.
His solicitor Ian Phillip told the court his client had suffered mental health difficulties and had not taken his medication for six days.
Mr Phillip said: "He has expressed remorse but it will be of little comfort to his victim. Although the offences are serious enough for a custodial sentence, it could be suspended."
Royle is due to be sentenced on Thursday.
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