Driving ban and fine for Downham man who crashed into stationary vehicle after drinking all afternoon

A painter and decorator was banned from driving for two years after crashing into a stationary vehicle while nearly three times over the drink-drive limit.

Ciaran Pennock-Halpin, 28, of Recreation Drive, Southery, pleaded guilty to drink-driving when he appeared before Lynn magistrates on Monday.

The court heard police had been called to an incident on Westgate Street, Southery, on January 5.

After giving a positive roadside breath test, further samples showed Pennock-Halpin had 100 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath. The legal limit is 35.

Ruth Johnson, mitigating, said Pennock-Halpin was "mortified" by his mistake and had asked for advice from an alcohol support group, who said they did not need to bother as he was not a cause for concern.

She said a ban would affect his work as he would have to rely on family and friends, but that he realised the gravity of his mistake would be punished.

Pennock-Halpin was fined £500 and ordered to pay £85 costs, plus a £50 victim surcharge.

He was banned from driving for 24 month, though the ban will be reduced by 24 weeks if he completes a rehabilitation course, which the court heard he intends to complete.