A Swindon man has been handed an 18-week suspended prison sentence and a three-year driving ban after being found guilty of driving with more than four times the legal alcohol limit.
Sanjay Dhari, 46, of Cypress Grove, appeared at Swindon Magistrates Court on 22nd August, where he admitted to the offence.
The incident took place on the morning of 4th July when Dhari drove his BMW to Kwik Fit on Great Western Way, Swindon, for work on his vehicle. Staff became alarmed when they noticed Dhari was visibly intoxicated, struggling to stay on his feet, colliding with a wall, and eventually falling asleep. Police were called to the scene, but Dhari was so intoxicated that he couldn’t complete a roadside breath test. He was arrested on suspicion of failing to provide a sample and taken into custody.
Once in custody, Dhari provided two breath samples, revealing a staggering 165 microgrammes of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath—over four times the legal limit of 35 microgrammes. He was subsequently charged with drink driving.
PC Daniel Laurie from the Roads Policing Unit commented on the case: “Drink driving is one of the fatal five offences most likely to cause serious injury or death. Dhari’s level of intoxication was not only shocking but also incredibly dangerous. To be this intoxicated during rush hour, in charge of a vehicle, is beyond reckless. It’s selfish and puts the lives of innocent road users at significant risk. The courts were right to impose a suspended sentence and lengthy driving ban.”
In addition to the suspended prison sentence and driving disqualification, Dhari has been ordered to undergo a nine-month alcohol treatment programme. He was also fined £50 and ordered to pay a £154 victim surcharge and £85 in court costs.
PC Laurie added, “Our ongoing campaign stresses that there is ‘no excuse’ for committing any of the fatal five offences, and we urge the public to report any concerns about drink driving or other dangerous behaviours on our roads.”
