Barnstaple driver fears he will ‘lose everything’ after lengthy driving ban

Man drove into fence at a busy roundabout while over the legal limit

A BARNSTAPLE driver who mounted the curb and drove into a fence at a busy roundabout has told magistrates he could ‘lose everything’ after receiving a 17-month driving ban.

North Devon Magistrates’ Court heard on Friday how Simon Peart, 38, of Old Torrington Road crashed into a fence at the Cedar’s roundabout in Barnstaple just after 10.30pm on June 7.

After responding to calls, police went to Peart’s home address where he confirmed he had been driving the car, which showed clear signs of damage to its front and rear. He gave a breathalyser reading of 75 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath – more than twice the legal limit.

Peart admitted he had drunk ‘a rather large brandy’ after the collision and he had had a couple of pints of beer to drink during the day.

Defending himself, Peart explained to magistrates that he would be likely to lose his job should he be disqualified from driving for longer than three months, which would also jeopardise his ability to provide for his young family.

“It was a stupid decision to drive and I think it was just a build up of personal circumstances,” he said.

Peart was ordered to pay a total of £525 in fines, costs and a victim surcharge, and will now be banned from driving for 17 months. He was offered the drink driver rehabilitation course.