Drink driver banned for 300m trip from pub to home

A man has been fined and disqualified for 18 months after driving less than 300m from a pub to his home while over the drink drive limit.

Avon and Somerset Police said Brian Trent's decision to make the short journey on the evening of 15 April put him and others "in danger".

Trent, 71, was spotted in his Land Rover by officers out on patrol specifically looking for drink drivers in Pucklechurch near Bristol.

They followed him home, where he failed a roadside breath test and was arrested before being charged the following day.

Trent admitted driving a vehicle while over the alcohol limit in the incident, which happened at about 19:00 GMT.

During a hearing at Bristol Magistrates Court he was told he cannot drive for 18 months and was handed a £1,850 fine and also told to pay court costs and a victim surcharge totalling £825.

PC Edward Walsh from Avon and Somerset Police said: "Drink driving puts lives at risk and will not be tolerated.

"In this case, the pub was less than 300 metres from the defendant's home, yet they chose to drive while over the legal limit, therefore placing themselves and others in danger.

"Even short journeys under the influence of alcohol significantly increases the risk of collision and serious harm.

"Police will continue to take robust action against anyone who breaks the law and puts other road users at risk."

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