A driver who was four times over the legal drink drive limit when he crashed his car into bollards in Wisbech has been banned from driving for three years.
Jonathan Oldham also received an 18 week prison sentence, suspended for two years, after admitting to a charge of drink driving at King’s Lynn Magistrates’ Court.
The court heard today (Monday) that witnesses saw the 66-year-old “all over the road” when he was driving along Norwich Road in Wisbech at around 10am on Friday February 4.
He was then seen swerving over the white line in the middle of the road and clipping a kerb before crashing into a bollard.
Fergus Harold, prosecuting, said: “The vehicle was still running and the driver seen trying to put the car into gear. One of the witnesses took the keys from the ignition to stop him driving off.”
When police arrived and breathalysed Oldham the reading was 146mg of alcohol in 100ml of breath. The legal limit is 35mg.
Mr Harold added: “He was asked by police when he last had a drink, to which he replied ‘this afternoon’ – a strange answer considering it was still the morning.”
Tiffany Meredith, mitigating, said Oldham felt ashamed about committing the offence.
She asked the magistrates to consider that nobody was injured during the incident, no other vehicles were involved and Oldham had been driving a short distance of half a mile.
He admitted having a drinking problem that was being brought under control until a recent episode of depression set in after a family holiday.
She said: “He really had a lovely time visiting his family in South Africa, where he didn’t drink a drop of alcohol. But since he came back here, his depression has kicked in and he finds himself before the court today for this offence. He has no idea why he did it.”
Oldham, of Wedgewood Drive, Wisbech, was also ordered to pay £85 court costs and £80 in victim surcharge.
He was also offered the drink-driving rehabilitation course.
John Taylor, chairman of the bench, said: “As I am sure that you are aware this is an incredibly serious offence you have committed here.”
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