A Swindon man crashed his car into a lamppost after a night out with friends.
Rinaldo Ibba, 35, appeared before a district judge last Wednesday, 1 September, where he pleaded guilty to driving whilst over the prescribed alcohol limit.
The court heard how a member of the public called the police after a car was seen to crash into a bollard and lamppost in Commercial Road at 11.30pm on 2 August this year.
Officers attended and found father-of-two Ibba, of Tismeads Crescent, Old Town, in this Citroen C4, which had suffered damage.
He failed a roadside breath test. As a result, he was arrested and taken into custody where he blew a reading of 58 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath. The limit is 35.
Richard Williams, defending, said his client “made a very stupid decision to drive” after enjoying a night out with his friends and at a bar in Swindon.
It’s said his medication for diabetes and an autoimmune system may have contributed to him appearing more dosy than usual when he had only drunk three pints.
Mr Williams said Ibba works as a restaurant supervisor and after a conversation with his employer, he believes he will be able to remain in the position. He’ll be forced to use public transport or get a lift to work.
District judge Joanna Dickens said: “This is a really serious incident. You’re lucky no one died or was seriously injured due to your decision marking.”
She sentenced him to a 16-month driving ban – which can be reduced by 25% if he completes a drink-drive rehabilitation course – and a £350 fine.
He must also pay costs of £85 and a £35 victim surcharge.
