A drink driver who wanted to avoid the inconvenience of being disqualified has been sentenced. 

Steve Pereira, 39, of Rodbourne Road, pleaded guilty to drink driving at Swindon Magistrates Court on November 5.

The court heard from Mr Ballinger, prosecuting, that Pereira was out just after midnight on October 18 in a Kia Sportage when officers saw the vehicle brake harshly heading towards Transfer Bridges and they followed to observe his driving.

They described witnessing a “poor manner of driving”, including indicating right but turning left, and pulled him over on Iffley Road.

He told officers he had consumed a “couple of beers” that evening and was arrested following a roadside breath test.

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In custody, Pereira was found to have 47 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath, despite the limit being 35.

Mr Williams, defending, said Pereira did not have any previous convictions and was not a frequent drinker except but did enjoy a drink at social occasions.

However, on October 18, Pereira said he had a stressful day in his job as a hotel supervisor and wanted to decompress, so he had two pints and felt able to drive afterwards.

Additionally, Mr Williams explained that Pereira was particularly concerned about being disqualified from driving due to the impact it would have on his family, as his wife does not drive and he would have no other way of taking his two children to their extra-curricular activities and would be forced to get public transport to work.

Mr Williams said: “The consequences on his family will be quite harsh.”

Nevertheless, the Magistrate reminded Pereira that she had no other choice but to disqualify him from driving for 12 months, but he was offered a drink driving course which will reduce the disqualification by three months if completed successfully.

Pereira was also ordered to pay a £300 fine, £120 surcharge and £85 prosecution costs, totalling £505.

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