OK, this isn’t a Marlborough story although it is local, it happened within the Wiltshire Police area. If you are daft enough to drive after having one (or more?) too many drinks, where would be the one place where you wouldn’t want to drive through….? Just read on……..
A 42-year-old man, Richard John Payne, from the Maltings, Yatton Keynell, has been sentenced after admitting being drunk when he drove through a reconstruction being carried out by Wiltshire Police Serious Collision Investigation Team.
Swindon Magistrates’ Court heard how on the evening of Tuesday 9 September, Payne drove through a clearly indicated road closure in Yatton Keynell – into a collision investigation site – scattering cones and striking a mannequin placed in the road as part of a reconstruction.
After a breath test revealed Payne to be above the limit, he was arrested at the scene on suspicion of driving a motor vehicle above the alcohol limit.
He gave a roadside reading of 58 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath and later in custody, 44 micrograms; with the legal limit being 35 micrograms.
Appearing at court on Wednesday (22/10) Payne was given a 12-month driving ban, with an opportunity to reduce the disqualification by three months by undergoing a rehabilitation course.
He was also fined £300, and ordered to pay a £120 surcharge and £85 court costs.
PC Paul Brewster from the Serious Collision Investigation Team said: “Having spent 18 years in policing, there is not a lot that surprises me, however this incident left me in total disbelief. Payne recklessly drove through a live reconstruction scene, placing officers at risk. I hope that he takes the time to reflect on his actions.”
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