A medical practitioner driving under the influence caused a severe collision with a taxi driver, resulting in serious injuries. Nayer Youakim, a doctor in training, was found to have exceeded the legal alcohol limit when he veered onto the wrong side of Beach Road in North Shields, North Tyneside, and collided with a taxi late on November 24, 2024.
Following the incident, Youakim initially claimed to have consumed only two pints when questioned by the police. However, subsequent tests revealed his breath alcohol level at 72 micrograms per 100 milliliters, well above the legal limit of 35 micrograms, as reported by Chronicle Live.
According to prosecutor Lucy Todd, the taxi driver had just dropped off a passenger and was on his way home when he was blinded by oncoming headlights and struck by Youakim’s vehicle. The impact caused the taxi to spin across the road, while Youakim’s car ended up on the pavement.
The taxi driver sustained significant injuries, including a fractured shoulder and arm, a swollen hip, and suspected broken ribs, as detailed by the prosecutor. In a statement, the driver expressed anger over the incident and highlighted the challenging road to recovery ahead, although he acknowledged feeling fortunate to have survived.
Youakim, aged 37 and residing in Solihull, West Midlands, pleaded guilty to charges of causing serious injury through dangerous driving and driving under the influence. He received a suspended 18-month prison sentence, along with 250 hours of unpaid work, £150 in costs, and a two-year driving ban with a requirement for an extended driving test.
In court, Recorder Mark McKone KC acknowledged Youakim’s medical profession and the potential impact of a custodial sentence on his career. The recorder emphasized the importance of learning from the experience to prevent future offenses, taking into account Youakim’s lack of prior convictions and positive contributions as a doctor.
Laura Miller, representing Youakim, characterized the incident as an “extraordinary lapse of judgment” and highlighted his genuine remorse and efforts to address his actions. She emphasized that the incident was out of character for Youakim and that he has sought help to understand and rectify his behavior.