Actor James Moore, who plays Ryan Stocks in Emmerdale, was pulled over for drink driving after an onlooker mistook his ataxic cerebral palsy for being drunk.
In a series of tweets, Ryan explained that the charity Ataxia UK are running a campaign called ‘disordered not drunk’ where disabled people recount their stories of mistakenly being labelled drunk and went on to say he very recently had it happen to him.
So @AtaxiaUK are running a campaign called disordered not drunk, where disabled people recount their stories of mistakenly being labelled drunk. Tonight I seem to have a new one.
I went for a meal with my girlfriend, and as I was walking back to my car, someone apparently 1/2— James Moore ♿️ (@jamesmooreactor) November 18, 2019
Unbeknownst to me, called the police. I was pulled over half an hour later and was told a concerned citizen rang claiming that I was DUI. I took a breathalyser, proving I was sober – but it really makes you think- there needs to be more awareness for this 2/3
— James Moore ♿️ (@jamesmooreactor) November 18, 2019
Because disability can affect balance and motor skills. It’s hard to tell sometimes. But maybe the easiest thing to do is ask. The police were fantastic- really understanding, and they let me go on my way very quickly, but it could have easily been avoided with a simple question
— James Moore ♿️ (@jamesmooreactor) November 18, 2019
James said that he went for a meal with his girlfriend Sophie, but unbeknownst to him, an onlooker called the police.
He was later pulled over and told a concerned citizen rang claiming he was driving under influence.
James went on to say that he took a breathalyser which proved he was sober.
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The Emmerdale star then said there needs to be more awareness as disability can affect balance and motor skills.
He also encouraged his followers just to ask if they see someone who appears drunk.
He ended his series of tweets by saying the police were “fantastic” and let him go very quickly.
Ataxic cerebral palsy is a developmental disorder that affects motor function and can cause problems with balance and coordination.
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James is the first actor with ataxic cerebral palsy to be a permanent cast member in Emmerdale.
He joined the cast last year as Charity Dingle’s long-lost son and earlier this year won the National Television Award for Best Newcomer.
Recently, his character has been helping Kim Tate and Al Chapman improve the disabled facilities at the new outdoors centre.
Last week, disabled Coronation Street actress Cherylee Houston revealed she was left in tears of frustration after a hotel asked if she’d mind being carried to her ‘accessible’ room as it had two steps.
She has since started a hashtag #takingthedis for people to share their stories of inaccessibility.
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