Expired tax led to drink-drive arrest

Police smelled alcohol

EXPIRED tax caused police to stop a Thatcham motorist, who was then arrested for drink-driving.

In the dock at West Berkshire Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, April 7, was 41-year-old Wendy Louise Richards of Hussars Drive.

Helen Waite, prosecuting, said: “It had just gone midnight when officers stopped a Renault Megane on The Broadway in Thatcham because its tax had expired.

“They then smelled alcohol on the driver.”

Tests subsequently showed 58mcg of alcohol per 100ml of breath in Ms Richards’ system.

The legal limit is 35mcg.

Ms Richards admitted driving after drinking more than the legal limit on March 17.

She has no previous convictions but has one caution, the court heard.

Simon Hammudi, defending, said his client had been completely co-operative with police officers.

He added: “It was a stupid mistake made after a stressful few months.”

Magistrates fined Ms Richards £120 and ordered her to pay £85 costs plus a £20 surcharge.

In addition they banned her from driving for 12 months.