A medical professional under training caused severe injuries to a taxi driver in a collision while driving under the influence of alcohol. Nayer Youakim, a doctor in training, was found to have a blood alcohol level twice the legal 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 only consumed two pints when questioned by the police. However, tests conducted at the scene and later in custody revealed he had 72 micrograms of alcohol per 100 milliliters of breath, exceeding the legal limit of 35 micrograms.
During the court proceedings, it was revealed that the taxi driver, who had just dropped off a passenger, was struck by Youakim’s vehicle after being blinded by oncoming headlights. 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. In a statement, the driver expressed frustration over the incident but acknowledged feeling fortunate to have survived.
Youakim, residing in Solihull, West Midlands, pleaded guilty to charges of causing serious injury through dangerous driving and driving under the influence of alcohol. The court sentenced him to an 18-month suspended prison term, along with 250 hours of unpaid work, £150 in costs, and a two-year driving ban requiring an extended driving test.
In his defense, Youakim’s lawyer, Laura Miller, characterized the incident as a regrettable error in judgment. She emphasized that Youakim has shown genuine remorse, sought help to address his actions, and that the incident was uncharacteristic and an isolated occurrence.
The judge, Recorder Mark McKone KC, acknowledged Youakim’s medical profession and the potential impact of a custodial sentence on his career and future patients. Despite the severity of the offense, the judge opted for a suspended sentence considering Youakim’s lack of prior convictions, his remorse, and the potential positive contributions he could make in the future.
This outcome serves as a reminder of the serious consequences of driving under the influence and highlights the importance of responsible behavior on the road.
