Drink driver four times over the limit given ban

Dhari has been given a three-year driving ban and suspended prison sentence

A drink driver was found to be more than four times over the legal limit after taking his car to a garage for work to be done.

Sanjay Dhari, of Cypress Grove, Swindon, drove his BMW to Kwik Fit on Great Western Way in the town on 4 July.

Concerns were raised as the 46-year-old appeared unsteady on his feet before falling asleep. Police attended and arrested Dhari, who was later charged with drink driving.

Dhari pleaded guilty at Swindon Magistrates' Court on Thursday where he was given a three-year driving ban and an 18-week prison sentence suspended for two years.

He was also ordered to complete a nine-month alcohol treatment course and to pay a £50 fine, £154 surcharge and £85 costs.

'Absolutely disgraceful'

Officers called to Kwik Fit attempted to take a breath test from Dhari but were unable to due to his "levels of intoxication".

He was taken to custody where he provided two specimens of breath which showed he was well over the drink drive limit.

PC Daniel Laurie said Dhari’s sample was 165 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath, with the legal limit 35 microgrammes.

"Dhari was more than four times the legal limit. To be this intoxicated and in charge of a vehicle on our busy roads during rush hour is quite frankly absolutely disgraceful," said PC Laurie.

"It's selfish, and dangerous, and puts the lives of innocent road users at risk.

"I am pleased a suspended sentence and lengthy driving ban has been given out by the courts."