A medical professional under training to become a consultant caused a serious injury to a taxi driver in a head-on collision while driving under the influence of alcohol. Nayer Youakim, who was intoxicated at the time of the incident, veered onto the wrong side of Beach Road in North Shields, North Tyneside, colliding with the taxi late at night on November 24, 2024.
Following the crash, Youakim initially downplayed his alcohol consumption to the authorities, stating he had only consumed two pints. However, tests conducted at the scene and later in custody revealed his breath alcohol level was 72 micrograms per 100 millilitres, exceeding the legal limit of 35 micrograms.
During the court proceedings, it was revealed 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, aged 37, from Solihull, West Midlands, pleaded guilty to charges of causing serious injury by dangerous driving and driving under the influence of alcohol. In sentencing, Recorder Mark McKone KC acknowledged Youakim’s medical profession and the potential consequences his actions could have on his career. Youakim received an 18-month suspended prison sentence, 250 hours of unpaid work, a fine of £150, and a two-year driving ban with a requirement to pass an extended test.
In his defense, Youakim’s legal representative described the incident as a regrettable error in judgment, emphasizing his client’s remorse and efforts to address the underlying issues that led to the offense. The defense highlighted that the incident was uncharacteristic of Youakim’s behavior and stressed his commitment to learning from the experience and not repeating such actions in the future.