News Firefighter caught over limit
The fire service has launched an internal inquiry after one of its firefighters was caught drink-drinking off-duty.
Cameron Harris, who is based at Goole Fire Station, was banned from driving for three years and fined £250 by Selby magistrates.
He was stopped by police in his Audi A4 at Great Heck.
Mr Harris (42) admitted drink-driving when he appeared before magistrates two weeks ago.
And this week Humberside Fire & Rescue Service said it was launching its own internal inquiry into Mr Harris's position in the service.
A spokesman said: "Mr Harris was charged with drink-driving and, as he is a member of the fire service, the matter will be subject to an internal inquiry and no details of that will be released."
Mr Harris, of Woodville in Snaith, declined to comment on the drink-driving issue when contacted by the Goole Times this week.
During the court hearing, which was held in York, magistrates were told that Mr Harris had been drinking with a friend on April 28, the day he was caught.
The court heard he was in an emotional state at the time because another friend, whom he had known for 20 years, was in hospital undergoing treatment for cancer and his life hung in the balance.
When Mr Harris was breathalysed the lower reading showed he had 57 mcg of alcohol in 100 ml of breath. The legal limit for a driver is 35mcg.
Jeremy Scott, defending Mr Harris, said the Goole firefighter had served the public for over 20 years and had been told by his employers that his job was safe.
He added, however, that not being able to drive would make it difficult for him to get to work.
The court also heard that the Goole firefighter had two extra jobs - as a HGV driver and a fitter of alarm systems - and earned about £1,500 a month from this.
Mr Scott said that if Mr Harris were to be banned he would not be able to carry on with these jobs.
But, as well the ban, magistrates ordered Mr Harris to pay £43 prosecution costs.
Published on 22nd May 2008 in News.
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