Drunk driver sentenced after being spotted during Op Resolve patrol

A 52-year-old man from Grendon was spotted by local residents in Atherstone walking to his parked Audi while inebriated.

On 28 June, residents made officers aware that the man was walking back to his vehicle appearing to be drunk.

He later gave a reading well over the legal limit when tested for alcohol.

The man was spotted on North Warwickshire Council CCTV, who then passed the report on to PCSO Scott, who was patrolling the area as part of Op Resolve – an initiative to patrol hotspot areas for ASB and serious violence at the times it is most prevalent.

Station Street (where the Audi was parked) lies within Atherstone’s hotspot area.

On entering the car park on Station Street, PCSO Scott saw him get into his vehicle and begin driving.  

The PCSO stopped the man and called for assistance, after which he was arrested.

The 52-year-old man has been sentenced to a 42-month driving disqualification and a £140 fine for driving while drunk and driving without insurance.

He is also required to pay costs of £85 to the Crown Prosecution Service and a victims’ surcharge of £56.

Investigating officer PC Dicken said “If you’ve had a few drinks and are considering the journey home, for the safety of yourself and those around you it’s always best to leave your car where it is.

“Comparing a taxi fare to £281 worth of fines and legal costs the taxi fare wins out every time – not to mention the worst-case scenario of you getting involved in a serious collision on your way home.”