Swindon drink driver more than four times legal limit

Sanjay Dhari, 46, of Cypress Grove, Swindon, pleaded guilty to drink driving at Swindon Magistrates Court on 22 August, and was sentenced to an 18-week prison sentence suspended for two years and given a three-year driving ban.

On the morning of 4 July, Dhari drove his BMW to Kwik Fit in Great Western Way, Swindon, for work to be carried out on the vehicle.

However, concerns were raised that he appeared intoxicated after he was seen to be extremely unsteady on his feet, fell into a wall and then fell asleep.

Officers attended and a roadside breath test was attempted but due to the levels of intoxication, this was not able to be completed.

Dhari was arrested on suspicion of failing to provide and was taken to custody where he provided two specimens of breath which showed he was over the drink drive limit. He was arrested and charged with drink driving.

PC Daniel Laurie, from the Roads Policing Unit, said: “Drink driving is one of the fatal five offences which are most likely to cause a serious injury or fatal collision.

“Dhari’s sample given in custody was 165 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath. The legal limit is 35 microgrammes - Dhari was more than four times the legal limit. 

"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, and dangerous, and puts the lives of innocent road users at risk. I am pleased a suspended sentence and lengthy driving ban has been given out by the courts.

"Our current campaign sends the message that there is 'no excuse' for committing any of the fatal five offences and we are encouraging anyone who suspects somebody of committing any of these offences to report their concerns immediately  by calling 101 or 999 in an emergency."

Dhari was also issued with a nine month alcohol treatment requirement, ordered to pay £50 fine, £154 surcharge and £85 costs.