Drink driver claimed he only had one pint

A drink driver who claimed he’d only had “one pint” yet found to be double the limit has been disqualified from driving for three years.

Victor Jackson, 69, caught the attention of response officers who were driving through Stanground, Peterborough, after he approached a roundabout in his white BMW 3 series at speed just before midnight on 10 July.

The officers followed the car and, after witnessing it driving erratically including veering across lanes, failing to indicate and driving significantly under the speed limit, it was pulled over in Gunthorpe Ridings.

Jackson, of Mealsgate, Gunthorpe, initially claimed he’d only had one pint a few hours ago but later admitted he’d had two before giving a breath test reading of 72 – more than double the legal limit of 35.

He was charged with drink driving after giving an evidential sample of 61, which he admitted at Peterborough Magistrates’ Court on Friday (26 July).

He was disqualified from driving for three years as well as being ordered to pay a total of £327 – a £173 fine, £85 court costs and a £69 victim surcharge which funds victims services.

PC Kyle Gallagher, who investigated, said: “We happened to be in the right place at the right time when we came across Jackson whose driving raised concerns.

“Driving under the influence of alcohol is extremely dangerous and puts lives in danger, it just isn’t worth the risk.”

We operate a dedicated, confidential hotline – 0800 032 0845 – which is available 24/7 and provides the public with the chance to provide information about anyone they think may be driving under the influence of drink or drugs.

Information about drink driving, the law and the penalties, can be found on our dedicated road safety information webpages.