A teenager crashed his car into a building after drinking at a pub in Swindon.
18-year-old Adam Butcher ploughed his Ford Fiesta into a unit on Equity Trading Estate in Hobley Drive on 2 August this year.
When police officers arrived at the crash scene, the defendant provided a positive breath test and was arrested, according to prosecutor Tom Power.
In custody, on an evidential breathalyser, he blew 42 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath. The legal limit is 35 microgrammes.
Appearing at Swindon Magistrates’ Court on Monday (22 September), Butcher, of Heavens Rise, Ashton Keynes, pleaded guilty to a charge of drink driving.
Luke Jameson, defending, said his client has been studying and completed some exams in recent days, which put him under “considerable stress”.
He said the teenager went out drinking and decided to drive afterwards – but believed he was sober enough.
Mr Jameson confirmed that the damage to the building involved was minor and the cost of the repair was settled through the insurance company.
He described the incident as a “moment of stupidity”, adding that Butcher – who is studying economics at university – has shown remorse.
Magistrates imposed a £120 fine and a 12-month driving ban. They also told him to pay £85 costs and a £34 surcharge.
