Man banned after drunkenly driving through a crash reconstruction site
Police say they were left in "total disbelief"
A drunk driver has been banned, after he drove through a crash reconstruction being carried out by Wiltshire Police.
A 42-year-old man, John Payne, from the Maltings, Yatton Keynell, admitted being drunk when he drove through a reconstruction being carried out by the force's Serious Collision Investigation Team.
Swindon Magistrates’ Court heard how on the evening of Tuesday 9 September, Payne drove through a clearly indicated road closure in Yatton Keynell scattering cones and striking a mannequin placed in the road as part of a reconstruction.
After a breath test revealed Payne to be above the limit, he was arrested at the scene on suspicion of driving a motor vehicle above the alcohol limit.
He gave a roadside reading of 58 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath and later in custody, 44 micrograms; with the legal limit being 35 micrograms.
Appearing at court on Wednesday (22/10) Payne was given a 12-month driving ban, with an opportunity to reduce the disqualification by three months by undergoing a rehabilitation course.
He was also fined £300, and ordered to pay a £120 surcharge and £85 court costs.
PC Paul Brewster from the Serious Collision Investigation Team said: “Having spent 18 years in policing, there is not a lot that surprises me, however this incident left me in total disbelief. Payne recklessly drove through a live reconstruction scene, placing officers at risk. I hope that he takes the time to reflect on his actions.”