An out-of-work cabbie was caught over the drink-drive limit after crashing his Audi, a court heard.

Amir Jasimi, 45, called recovery mechanics when he crashed the silver A6 on the A420 on January 20, damaging the vehicle’s undercarriage.

Concerned about the position of the stricken car in a layby near the Botley interchange, the recovery mechanic asked police for their help.

When officers arrived they could smell alcohol on Jasimi’s breath, breathalysed him and found he was over the limit.

Prosecutor Scott Forman told Oxford Magistrates’ Court that a sample taken at the police station showed he had 42mcgs of alcohol in 100ml of breath, slightly above the legal limit of 35mcgs.

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Appearing before the justices, Jasimi, of Barns Road, Oxford, pleaded guilty to drink driving. He had no previous convictions.

 

Amir Jasimi outside Oxford Magistrates Court

Amir Jasimi outside Oxford Magistrates' Court

 

Phil Kouvaritakis, mitigating, said his client had held down a taxi licence for nine years but was not working when he crashed. He had been on his way to Aldi and, after two drinks, did not believe he was over the limit.

His life had spiralled downwards in the months leading up to the incident. His relationship broke down and he had clocked up £10,000-worth of debt.

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He was no longer working as a taxi driver and was claiming universal credit. “Having been a taxi driver for such a long time that’s where he feels his skill is,” his solicitor said.

Jasimi was fined £80, ordered to pay £79 in costs and surcharge and banned from the roads for a year.

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