Driver twice the drink limit banned

A 42-year-old Chilcompton man has been banned from driving for 20 months after being caught more than twice the legal drink-drive limit.

Andrew Church, of Stockhill Road, pleaded guilty to drink-driving when he appeared at Frome Magistrates’ Court.

Jeremy Oliver, prosecuting, said Church was stopped after police followed him on Stockhill Road and when they spoke to him could smell alcohol on his breath.

A breath test gave a reading of 78mcg out of 100ml of breath. The legal limit is 35mcg.

Jeff Bannister, defending, said Church had initially been concerned that medication he was taking for a bad back had affected the reading but after he sought advice he accepted this was not the case.

Mr Bannister said Church had not eaten anything and when a friend had asked him to go for a drink one thing had led to another.

He told the court that Church had been described by police as being a very pleasant man who had co-operated fully.

Mr Bannister added that Church lived at home with his parents and that if he was given a driving ban he would not be able to walk very far as his right leg often gave way due to his back condition and he would have to rely on them.

Magistrates disqualified Church from driving for 20 months, to be reduced by five months on the successful completion of a drink-driving rehabilitation course.

He was also fined £100, ordered to pay £85 court costs and a £15 victim surcharge.