Shropshire university lecturer blames diet for drink-drive case

Dimitrios Paparas, 30, a lecturer in business, economics and enterprise at Harper Adams University in Newport appeared at Telford Magistrates Court today.

He pleaded guilty to failing to provide a specimen to police who arrested him on suspicion of drink driving after he crashed his Fiat Punto in Edgmond.

He gave a breath test at the scene which proved positive for excess alcohol but back at the police station he tried four further times to give another sample but was unable to do so.

Paparas, a Greek national who is "highly thought of" by university bosses who gave "glowing references" to the court, said he had no recollection of getting behind the wheel on May 6.

He said he could only assume that an extreme diet he was following had caused him to be more affected by the alcohol.

Miss Sara Beddow, prosecuting said: "Police were called at 11.54pm to a road traffic collision involving a Fiat Punto in Edgmond.

"Mr Paparas was breathalysed at the scene. He admitted he left the public house and drove after consuming excess alcohol.

"Back at the police station he failed to provide another sample and gave no medical reason for not providing a breath test."

Mr Christopher Grainger, defending said Paparas, of Pitchin Eve Barn, Forton, Newport was "highly thought of" by his employers in England and back in Greece.

Mr Grainger said: "He had driven into Newport in order to go for a drink with friends.

"The intention was to leave the vehicle there and get a taxi home.

"He has no memory of leaving the pub. His only assumption is that a specialist diet he was following, which means starving yourself for a number of days and only eating a small amount on others, had caused the alcohol to affect him."

He said Paparas remembered being at the pub and then waking up in a police cell."

Mr Grainger added: "He tried on four occasions and was unable to. At no point did he obstruct police officers.

"It wasn't a deliberate refusal because he tried to provide that sample but for some reason he was unable to do so.

"It was a one off he's learned a very valuable lesson. He wants to return to Greece to for a political career. He's quite high up in his political party."

Mr John Whalley chair of magistrates said: "Clearly you have glowing references. This is entirely out of character.

"You are of previous good character and we take into account your early guilty plea.

"You will be disqualified for a period of 12 months. You will be fined £415, you must pay costs of £85 and a victim surcharge of £42."