A motorist who admitted to having "a few drinks at home" was caught drink-driving after police followed him along the M6 motorway, a court has heard. Beaven Gundu, 42, of Colwyn Terrace, Pontefract, was arrested on the evening of Wednesday, July 29, after officers spotted his blue Audi near junction 10.
Gundu provided a breath specimen reading 46 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath, exceeding the legal limit of 35 micrograms. He pleaded guilty to drink driving at Birmingham Magistrates' Court on Tuesday, September 1.
Police follow Audi to junction 10
Prosecutor Ms Begum told the court: "At 9.30pm two officers responded to a report." The blue Audi was followed by officers to junction 10, where the driver provided a preliminary breath test and was found to be over the limit. Gundu was arrested and escorted to custody, where he provided two specimens; the lowest reading was 46mcg.
Gundu, a married father of two and the "breadwinner" for his family, relies on his driving licence to deliver and collect bikes for his business, the court heard.
Guilty plea and mitigation
Mr Singh, mitigating, said: "He has pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity. To his credit he was compliant with officers at the roadside and in custody. He had a few drinks at home and didn't realise he was over the limit. He deeply regrets his actions. He wouldn't have got into the car if he had known he was over the limit."
Mr Khan added: "He is the sole breadwinner for his family, his wife and two children."
Ban and financial penalties
Gundu was disqualified from driving for 12 months and ordered to pay £1,065 in total, comprising a £700 fine, a £280 victim surcharge, and £85 in prosecution costs.
