Did Yorkie owners help vet keep his licence after DUI?

A veterinarian technician was today allowed to keep his licence after he admitted driving while impaired.

Nicholas Coghlin, 28, was arrested on South Road, Southampton on June 8 after officers saw him swerving while riding his motorcycle.

Coghlin eventually lost control of the bike and fell to the ground near Henry VIII.

When officers approached him, the defendant identified himself and admitted to having “a couple” drinks.

He was unsteady on his feet, his eyes were glazed and he smelled of alcohol.

Addressing the court today, Coghlin asked if he could keep his licence due to his work.

He explained that he is on-call and has to respond to emergency animal-related situations, sometimes in the middle of the night.

Senior Magistrate Archibald Warner asked how often it might be and the defendant told him “a couple times a month”.

Coghlin said sometimes a dog could get hit by a car or be poisoned by a toad, needing emergency medical attention.

Mr Warner suggested he could take a taxi to treat the animals.

Coghlin then said: “It’s critical. Time is very important in these matters.

“Calling a taxi might delay me getting there.”

A woman in the gallery then stood up and said: “I don’t know this man but I have a Yorkie who had puppies and I have needed the vet’s assistance in the middle of the night.”

Crown counsel Nicole Smith agreed with the woman and said: “I have a Yorkie as well.

“I have been a recipient of late night service as well when she was sick.”

Mr Warner said he would exercise his discretion and allow Coghlin to keep his licence.

But he gave him a warning.

“If you come back again, it doesn’t mean that the discretion will be exercised the same way.”

Coghlin was given a $1,500 fine.