A drink driver was found with a knife when he was caught swerving across lanes on the M4.
At Swindon Magistrates’ Court, Raj Bagga, 58, pleaded guilty to driving a motor vehicle whilst over the prescribed alcohol limit and possession of a bladed article in a public place.
Prosecutor Keith Ballinger said the defendant, of Woodside Avenue, was stopped by police following a report from a member of the public shortly before 4am on 26 September this year.
The responding officer located the vehicle – a white Ford Iveco van – and followed it to junction 16 where it exited the M4. At that point, the van was caused to pull over.
On smelling alcohol on Bagga, a roadside breath test was carried out. Following a positive result, he was arrested.
Before being transported to Gablecross custody, officers searched him – and they located a locking knife in his pocket. He was further arrested for possessing the blade.
In custody, he provided an evidential breath sample of 67 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath. The legal limit is 35 microgrammes.
Mark Glendenning, defending, said his client had spent time with friends before driving home.
“He tells me he does not drink, but accepts he must have been drinking on that day”, he told the court.
Adding the knife, Mr Glendenning said Bagga works as a general builder and has previously had items stolen from his work vehicle. He had spotted the knife on the seat so he removed it from sight, placing it in his pocket to avoid anyone taking it.
“He habitually uses the knife at work”, he added.
Bagga, who employs numerous staff, said he was likely to ask one of them to drive him around in light of the impending driving ban.
District Judge Joanna Dickens said: “This was a really serious drink drive event, probably everyone in this room uses that motorway and people were put at risk by your actions.
“You presented a huge risk to members of the public. You are lucky not to be charged with dangerous driving. Your driving was very bad – you’re lucky to be alive, you’re lucky there wasn’t a bad accident.”
She imposed an 18-month driving disqualification and a £200 fine. He must also pay a £114 surcharge and £85 prosecution costs.
No prison sentence was imposed for possession for the knife offence – despite the starting point being a six-month spell in custody. Instead, citing the circumstances in which he had it, Ms Dickens told Bagga to complete 150 hours of unpaid work instead.
