Two drink drivers banned after December offences
Both drivers were caught over the limit and sentenced just before Christmas
Two motorists in Cambridge have been banned from driving after being caught over the legal alcohol limit in incidents just days before Christmas.
Javan Kirwa, a 23-year-old from Fen Road, Cambridge, was stopped by police shortly after 3am on 18th December in Church Street. He initially failed to stop, driving to a dead end before exiting the vehicle through the passenger door.
Kirwa blew 77 at the roadside, more than twice the legal limit of 35 microgrammes per 100 millilitres of breath, and later gave an evidential reading of 71 while in custody.
Kirwa appeared at Huntingdon Magistrates’ Court on 23rd December, where he pleaded guilty to drink driving. He was disqualified from driving for 18 months and fined £200.
In a separate incident, Andris Podnieks, 43, of Sherbourne Close, Cambridge, was arrested on 19th December after colliding with a lamp post on Kings Hedges Road. Podnieks’ roadside reading was 71, and an evidential reading of 57 was taken in custody.
At Peterborough Magistrates’ Court on 24th December, Podnieks admitted to drink driving. He was banned from driving for a year and received a £384 fine.
Following the sentencing, Sergeant Stephanie Corletto from the Road Policing Unit urged motorists to act responsibly.
She said: “Please use these sentences as a reminder that driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is never worth the risk. It endangers lives and can lead to serious consequences, including losing your licence, heavy fines, and even prison.”
She added advice for those celebrating over the new year period, suggesting alternatives such as taxis, public transport, or a designated sober driver to avoid driving under the influence.
Drink and drug driving offences can be reported to police by calling 0800 032 0845.