Plumber Busted Twice for Drink-Driving in Just Three Days
A 42-year-old plumber has been caught drink-driving not once, but twice in the space of three days – and it’s landed him in hot water.
First Offence: Four Times Over the Limit
At around 11.40am on Saturday 28 March, police stopped a white Ford Transit van in Westergate Street, Westergate, following reports the driver might be drunk.
The driver, identified as Banks from Wentworth Close, Barnham, failed a roadside breath test with a reading of 148 micrograms of alcohol per 100ml of breath. This is more than four times the legal limit of 35mcg.
Banks was arrested and charged, then released on unconditional bail to appear in court in May.
Repeat Offence on His Birthday – Caught Again Over the Limit
Just three days later, on Tuesday 31 March – Banks’ 42nd birthday – police were called to Warren Way after reports he broke social distancing rules by visiting someone else’s home.
Officers found Banks had been drinking and gave him a lift home. But within 20 minutes, he returned to Warren Way, jumped into his van, and started the engine.
Once again, Banks failed a roadside breath test, this time registering 142mcg – still over four times the legal limit.
Sentenced to Suspended Jail, Three-Year Ban and Fines
This time, Banks was remanded in custody and appeared at Brighton Magistrates’ Court on 1 April. He was sentenced to 20 weeks in prison, suspended for 12 months, disqualified from driving for three years, and hit with £85 in costs plus a £122 victim surcharge.
PC Tom Van Der Wee of Sussex Roads Policing warned: “Drink and drug-driving destroys lives. Hospitals are already stretched to their limits – don’t add to the burden. Key workers are doing a fantastic job, and we all need to help them save lives.”
Despite fewer cars on the roads during lockdown, the police say they will crack down hard on those who break drink-driving laws.
