Drink-driver caught after swigging wine in Shropshire car park

Nigel Jones, 74, pleaded guilty to one count of drink-driving when he appeared before Telford Magistrates Court.

Helen Shipley, prosecuting, said that a member of the public had seen Jones, of Maypole Road, Broseley Wood, pull up and park at the Co-op in Ironbridge on August 4.

She told the court that after stopping he was seen to pull out a bottle of wine and take a drink.

Jones got out of the car and went into the shop, before returning to his Skoda Fabiq.

The member of the public saw him drive off and called the police over concerns he was drink driving.

Using the registration officers went to Jones’ home address and saw the vehicle on the drive.

When they approach he was still in the driver’s seat.

Mrs Shipley told the court officers described him as “co-operative” but that police carried out a roadside breath-test after smelling alcohol.

Jones returned a reading of 54 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath - the legal limit is 35.

In an interview following his arrest Jones admitted he had drunk wine at the Co-op and had driven home. He also said he had been drinking the night before.

Mr Sohal, mitigating on behalf of Jones, said he was a man of previous good character who had pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity.

He said: “He is 74 years of age and comes to the court with an unblemished record.”

Mr Sohal said the incident had been a case of poor judgement, was isolated, and out of character.

Jones was disqualified from driving for 12 months, but was given the opportunity to complete the drink drive rehabilitation course which would cut three months off the ban.

He was also fined £120, ordered to pay £85 costs, and a £48 victim surcharge.