The smell of kebab filling a car helped a police officer detect a drink driver in Malmesbury.
David Maidment, 40, pleaded guilty to driving whilst over the prescribed alcohol limit at Swindon Magistrates’ Court on Monday (14 February).
Prosecutor Tom Power said the defendant, of Street Farm, Cleverton, was driving a Volkswagen Golf on Sir Bernard Lovell Road when he was pulled over by police.
The vehicle entered the A429 roundabout with the B4042 in the early hours of October last year, and Maidment’s “abnormal” driving caught their attention.
The police officer noted a “strong smell of kebab coming from vehicle” and the defendant “appeared confused”, Mr Power added.
He provided a positive sample of breath and in custody, the evidential sample reading was 45 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath – ten microgrammes over the legal limit.
Representing himself, Maidment said: “I was under the impression I was not over the limit, but I take full responsibility.”
He expressed his gratitude to the court for previously adjourning the case to allow him to be at the birth of his child, and drive his wife around after a caesarean section.
When magistrates asked him how a driving ban will affect him, he replied: “It will massively impact us, but I accept what will need to happen.”
He told the court that he earns £250 working on a farm, where his rental home is included as part of his pay.
Taking into account his low income, magistrates imposed a £38 fine and a 12-month driving disqualification. He must also pay £85 costs and a £34 surcharge.
The drink-drive rehabilitation course was offered. If it is completed successfully, Maidment will be able to reduce his ban duration by 25%.
