Christopher Mitchinson
Being in charge of a motor vehicle with alcohol above the limit *
Sentence
10 months driving ban, 12-month community order with up to 10 rehabilitation activity requirement days and 134 hours unpaid work, £199 court costs
On December 9, 2025, at around 5am, Christopher Mitchinson, 43, of Arkle Crescent in Darlington, called police on himself after becoming drunk and fearing he would drive. He was in the driver's seat of his car in the Aldi car park on Stonebridgegate in Ripon, with keys in the ignition. He smelled of alcohol, was slurring words, and crying. Roadside breath test positive; at Harrogate Police Station, reading of 127 micrograms of alcohol in 100ml of breath (limit 35). He had been to Halifax for a job but couldn't contact employer, bought gin, drank in car to keep warm. Admitted offence, struggles with mental health, anxiety, depression, possible PTSD from childhood trauma. One prior conviction for drink-driving. Has not drunk since offence.
Pleaded guilty. Chair of the bench noted high alcohol reading and prior drink-driving conviction. Described as a cry for help related to mental health struggles.