A drunk man’s car ‘skidded sideways’ as he attempted to drive home from the pub.
26-year-old Jake Hart pleaded guilty to drink driving when he appeared at Swindon Magistrates’ Court yesterday morning (Wednesday 5 October).
Prosecutor Pauline Lambert said the defendant, of Shrewton Walk in Penhill, was followed out of the Tesco Extra car park by roads policing officer Luke Hobbs on 12 August this year.
Hart was seen to drive his Suzuki Vitara at 40mph in a 50mph zone and swerve across two lanes before “skidding sideways” on Great Western Way, Ms Lambert added.
Concerned about his manner of driving, PC Hobbs caused the driver to stop. At the roadside, he failed a breath test and was arrested.
In custody, he provided an evidential sample of 45 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath. The legal limit is 35 microgrammes.
Hart had been drinking at a pub with friends and didn’t think he was over the drink-drive limit.
The court was told that the defendant claims benefits and is effectively a full-time career for his partner – who has numerous health issues.
Magistrates imposed a 12-month driving ban and £80 fine. He must also pay £85 costs and a £32 surcharge.
