Drink driver caught following MOT stop

A drink driver has lost his licence after a routine check showed his vehicle had no MOT.

Police were on patrol across East Cambridgeshire when they spotted a black Mercedes parked up on Common Road in Witchford.

Routine checks initially revealed the vehicle had no MOT and when officers spoke to the driver, 37-year-old Darren Grant, they suspected he had been drinking.

Grant, of Witcham Road, Mepal, blew 69 micrograms at the roadside, almost twice the legal limit of 35 micrograms per 100 millilitres of breath.

In custody he went on to provide an evidential sample of 40 micrograms.

Further checks of his vehicle revealed the MOT was complete but Grant had no insurance.

At Cambridge Magistrates’ Court on Monday (16 December), Grant was disqualified from driving for a year after previously pleading guilty to drink driving and driving without insurance. He must also pay a £276 fine.

PC James Cox, who investigated, said: “There is no excuse for drink driving and this case shows that while we can’t be everywhere, we could be anywhere so please don’t take any risks by getting behind the wheel after drinking.”

Throughout December, officers are carrying out roadside checks across the county and people are also being reminded of the 24/7 confidential, dedicated hotline to report drink and drug drivers on 0800 032 0845. If someone is in immediate danger, always call 999.

For information about drink or drug driving, the law and the dangers it can cause, visit the force's dedicated web page.