Motorists banned for drink-drive related offences in Ipswich and Melton

Jack Edwards, of Church Road, Thorrington, near Brightlingsea, pleaded guilty at South East Suffolk Magistrates’ Court to drink-driving.

The 23-year-old committed the offence in Station Road, Melton, on January 28.

Prosecutor Wayne Ablett said police followed Edwards’ Toyota Hilux for a short distance and it appeared to be swerving. The car was driven along Orford Road and Wilford Bridge before being stopped.

A breath test showed Edwards had 55 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath. The legal limit is 35 mcgs.

Joanna Kaspryzyk, representing Edwards, said her client had consumed some alcohol in a pub and decided to sleep in his vehicle.

However, he woke up and thought he was sober enough to drive.

Ms Kaspryzyk said: “Unfortunately he was wrong. He is extremely remorseful for his actions.”

The court was told Edwards is a farmer and is likely to be unable to perform his job when he is banned from driving.

Edwards was disqualified from driving for 12 months and fined £425. He must also pay £85 costs and £42 to the victims’ fund.

In a separate case David Maddams, of Beech Close, Sproughton, admitted failure to provide a breath specimen on January 23.

Magistrates were told police received a call at 7.08pm from member of the public who had seen the 36-year-old’s vehicle collide with a stationary car. Maddams was inside his vehicle looking dazed.

Police arrived and Maddams failed to provide a roadside breath test despite being given a number of opportunities.

He was taken to Ipswich Hospital but still declined to give a sample when requested on more than one occasion.

John Hughes, representing Maddams, said his client did try to give a sample on two occasions, but could not do so.

Mr Hughes said: “He’s devastated, ashamed and embarrassed by his actions on January 23.”

Magistrates disqualified Maddams from driving for 20 months. He was also fined £1,000, and ordered to pay £85 costs and £100 to the victims’ fund.