A drink driver who ploughed through a forensic crash investigation scene in a Wiltshire village has been banned from the roads.
Specialist officers were reconstructing a serious collision when Richard John Payne drove his SEAT Leon into the area – which had been closed by signs and cones.
It happened in Yatton Keynell on the evening of 9 September, where it’s believed police were continuing their investigation into a crash involving a child back in August.
Payne drove through the live investigation scene, knocking over cones and striking a mannequin used in the reconstruction by the Serious Collision Investigation Team.
The 42-year-old, of the The Maltings in Yatton Keynell, was asked to provide a sample of breath at the roadside. He blew 58 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath – while the legal limit is 35 micrograms.
He waa subsequently arrested and blew a sample of 44 micrograms on the evidential machine in custody. He was charged with drink driving.
At Swindon Magistrates’ Court on 22 October, pleaded guilty and was handed a 12-month driving ban.
He can reduce the disqualification by three months if he completes a drink-drive course. He was also fined £300 and must pay a £120 surcharge and £85 in costs.
PC Paul Brewster, from the Serious Collision Investigation Team, said: “Having spent 18 years in policing, there is not a lot that surprises me, however this incident left me in total disbelief.
“Payne recklessly drove through a live reconstruction scene, placing officers at risk. I hope that he takes the time to reflect on his actions.”
