A medical professional, training to become a consultant, caused serious injury to a taxi driver in a drunk-driving incident. Nayer Youakim, driving under the influence and twice over the legal alcohol limit, collided head-on with the taxi on Beach Road in North Shields, North Tyneside, late on November 24, 2024.
Following the crash, Youakim falsely claimed to have consumed only two pints when questioned by the police. However, tests revealed his alcohol level was 72 micrograms per 100 millilitres of breath, well above the legal limit of 35 micrograms.
During the court proceedings, it was disclosed that the taxi driver had just dropped off a passenger and was on his way home when the collision occurred. The impact left the taxi driver with severe injuries, including a fractured shoulder and arm, a swollen hip, and suspected broken ribs. Despite the challenges ahead in his recovery, the driver expressed gratitude for surviving the ordeal.
Youakim, residing in Solihull, West Midlands, admitted guilt for causing serious harm due to reckless driving and driving under the influence. The court sentenced him to 18 months in prison, suspended for two years, along with 250 hours of unpaid work, £150 in costs, and a two-year driving ban with a mandatory extended driving test.
In his defense, Youakim’s lawyer described the incident as a momentary error in judgment. She emphasized his deep remorse, efforts to address his actions, and highlighted that such behavior was atypical for him.
The judge, Recorder Mark McKone KC, acknowledged the impact of a prison sentence on Youakim’s medical career and the potential harm to future patients. Despite the severity of the offense, the judge opted for a suspended sentence, considering the mitigating factors and the defendant’s commitment to learning from the experience.