A medical practitioner under the influence of alcohol caused a severe injury to a taxi driver by colliding head-on with the cab. Nayer Youakim, a doctor in training, was driving on the wrong side of Beach Road in North Shields, North Tyneside, when the accident occurred just before midnight on November 24, 2024, while being twice over the legal alcohol limit.
Following the crash, Youakim initially claimed to have consumed only two pints when questioned by the police. However, tests conducted at the scene and later in custody revealed his breath alcohol level to be 72 micrograms per 100 millilitres, exceeding the legal limit of 35 micrograms.
The court heard that the taxi driver had just dropped off a passenger and was on his way home when he was struck by Youakim’s vehicle. The impact left the taxi driver with multiple injuries, including a fractured shoulder and arm, a swollen hip, and suspected broken ribs, leading to a long road to recovery.
Youakim, residing in Solihull, West Midlands, pleaded guilty to causing serious injury due to dangerous driving and driving under the influence of alcohol. The judge, Recorder Mark McKone KC, acknowledged Youakim’s medical profession but warned of the consequences his actions could have on his career.
Despite being sentenced to 18 months in prison, the term was suspended for two years, and Youakim was ordered to perform 250 hours of unpaid work, pay £150 in costs, and face a two-year driving ban with a requirement for an extended test. In his defense, Youakim’s lawyer expressed that the incident was an unusual error in judgment, emphasizing his client’s remorse and efforts to seek help and understand his actions, portraying the event as an isolated and uncharacteristic occurrence.