Drink driver drove on the wrong side of the road

A drink driver who drove on the wrong side of the road before swerving and crashing into a barrier has been banned from driving.

Abin Elias, 38, was reported to police by worried members of the public who witnessed his erratic driving in Peterborough last month.

Officers caught up with Elias in Hartwell Way, Ravensthorpe, Peterborough, where he was parked on the side of the road with his hazards on.

Officers turned the engine off and removed the keys before asking Elias to step out of the vehicle. He struggled to answer questions and smelt strongly of alcohol.

He was arrested on suspicion of drink driving and later blew 130 – nearly four times the legal limit.

Elias, of Deaconscroft, Ravensthorpe, Peterborough, pleaded guilty to drink driving, driving without a licence and driving without insurance. He was disqualified from driving for six months and handed a £600 fine at Peterborough Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday (11 December).

PC Harry Johnson, who investigated, said: “Elias was well above the legal limit and clearly not fit to drive.

“I’m very grateful for the member of the public who called us to report his driving, meaning officers were able to reach him before anyone got hurt.”

The case comes as the force holds its festive campaign cracking down on drink and drug drivers, with a warning that doing so could destroy lives.

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 webpage.