Man given driving ban for collision involving investigation reconstruction

A man from the Maltings, Yatton Keynell, has been sentenced after admitting being drunk when he drove through a reconstruction being carried out by Wiltshire Police Serious Collision Investigation Team.

Swindon Magistrates’ Court heard how on the evening of Tuesday September 9th, 42-year-old man, Richard John Payne, drove through a clearly indicated road closure in Yatton Keynell - into a collision investigation site - scattering cones and striking a mannequin placed in the road as part of a reconstruction.

After a breath test 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.

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.”