Drunk Driver Busted on A350 with Expired MOT
Andrew Smith, 23, from Melksham, was caught red-handed by road cops in Lacock in the early hours of October 23. Officers flagged down Smith driving a Nissan Micra that hadn’t had a valid MOT for over a year.
Slurring and Staggering: Smith Over the Limit
When approached, Smith was visibly drunk – slurring his words and wobbling. A breath test confirmed he was over the legal limit. He was promptly arrested.
Court Hands Down Tough Penalty
Smith pleaded guilty to drink driving on December 13. He’s now banned from the roads for 12 months and slapped with fines totalling £729, including £460 in fines, an £85 Crown Prosecution Service cost, and a £184 surcharge.
PC Luke Hobbs warned: “This case is a timely reminder of the importance of planning ahead, especially over the festive period when more people are tempted to go for a social drink or two after work. We want everyone to enjoy themselves this Christmas, especially after the previous two years of lockdowns and restrictions on our social lives. However, drinking alcohol and driving is just not worth the risk, as this case highlights.”
“Drink driving puts yourself and other road users at risk of serious injury or worse. Please don’t put yourself in this situation.”
Spot a Drunk Driver? Call 999!
If you suspect someone is drink driving, immediately call 999. Provide as much detail as possible – description of the driver, the vehicle, registration number, and direction of travel.
- Roads Policing Unit is running a drink drive crackdown throughout December with Road Safety Partnership support targeting offenders who chance it behind the wheel.
