A Swindon man has been sentenced after being caught driving with more than four times the legal alcohol limit. Sanjay Dhari, 46, of Cypress Grove, Swindon, pleaded guilty to drink driving at Swindon Magistrates Court on August 22, 2024. He was handed an 18-week prison sentence, suspended for two years, and disqualified from driving for three years.
The incident occurred on the morning of July 4, when Dhari drove his BMW to Kwik Fit on Great Western Way in Swindon for vehicle maintenance. Staff at the garage became concerned when they observed Dhari appearing highly intoxicated. Witnesses reported that he was unsteady on his feet, fell into a wall, and eventually fell asleep.
Police were called to the scene, but Dhari was too intoxicated to complete a roadside breath test. He was arrested on suspicion of failing to provide a sample and taken into custody, where he later provided two specimens of breath. These tests showed he had 165 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath—over four times the legal limit of 35 microgrammes.
PC Daniel Laurie from the Roads Policing Unit condemned Dhari’s actions, stating, “To be this intoxicated and in charge of a vehicle on our busy roads during rush hour is quite frankly absolutely disgraceful. It’s selfish, dangerous, and puts the lives of innocent road users at risk.
Dhari’s sentencing includes a nine-month alcohol treatment requirement, a £50 fine, a £154 surcharge, and £85 in court costs. Wiltshire Police have reiterated their commitment to tackling the “fatal five” driving offences, which include drunk driving, urging the public to report any suspicions to the authorities.
