Three year roads ban for Hermitage drink-driver Dirk Odendal

A MOTORIST who had denied drink-driving changed his plea.

Dirk Odendaal appeared in the dock at Reading Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, January 23.

The 52-year-old, of Pinewood Crescent, Hermitage, initially pleaded not guilty to driving a white Mercedes at McDonald’s restaurant in Pinchington Lane, Newbury, on May 3 last year after drinking more than the legal limit.

But he subsequently changed his mind.

The court heard that tests showed 60mcg of alcohol per 100ml of breath in his system.

The legal limit is 35mcg.

Odendaal was made subject to a 12-month community order and required to complete 80 hours of unpaid community work.

In addition, he was ordered to pay £300 costs, plus a statutory victim services surcharge of £114.

Finally, Odendaal was banned from driving for three years.