SALEM – A Swampscott man charged with driving drunk for his fourth time when he allegedly drove the wrong way down the Lynnway on a June night and crashed into another vehicle remains held without bail.James Graham, 46, of 19 Cherry St., Swampscott, pleaded innocent Thursday during his arraignment in Salem Superior Court to a charge of operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated, fourth offense, before Judge Howard J. Whitehead.Assistant District Attorney Michael A. Sheehan filed a petition that Graham poses a danger to the community and should be held in custody without bail pending the outcome of his case.A hearing is set down for Sept. 26 on the question of dangerousness.At that hearing, defense lawyer Amanda L. Barker will undoubtedly argue that there are conditions of release to ensure the public’s safety, hoping the judge will agree and let Graham remain free pending the disposition of his case.In the meantime, Graham remains held at the Middleton Jail on a no bail status.The charge concerns an incident in Lynn on the night of June 28 when Graham allegedly drove his Kia down the wrong side of the Lynnway, crashing head-on into another vehicle at about 10:30 p.m.No one was seriously injured, according to reports.Lynn police officer Richard Courtney and State Trooper Peter Sherber responded to the scene.Officers said that they could smell alcohol on Graham’s breath and his eyes were glassy.Graham reportedly refused an alcohol blood test.He has three prior drunk driving convictions dating back to the ’80s.
