A Russian Sea Captain has been remanded in custody after pleading guilty to a charge of being on duty as a professional master of a ship with excess alcohol in breath.
Viatcheslav Poleshchuk, 44, was arrested by Police after his 328 ft vessel, the RMS Baerl, collided with lock gates at Goole Port on the River Humber.
Mr. Poleshchuk admitted to drinking for 12 hours prior to the incident on 12th September. A Port Boat Handler who was onboard the vessel was concerned that the Captain appeared intoxicated and had tried to assist. Mr. Poleshchuk refused assistance and his 3,000 ton ship collided with lock gates. Tests revealed that Mr. Poleshchuk had 157mg in 100ml of blood, well above the legal limit drink driving limit.
Mr. Poleshchuk appeared before Hull Crown Court where Judge Mettyear told him “It is outrageous to be in charge of a great big vessel like this while over the drink limit. It is monstrous.” The Judge indicated that a custodial sentence is appropriate in this case and remanded Mr. Poleshchuk in custody.
Stephensons has solicitors who specialising in drink driving offences and a Professional Discipline department that specialises in defending professionals in disciplinary proceedings before a range of professional regulators. If you find yourself in a situation like this, we may be able to help.
By regulatory solicitor, Carl Johnson
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