Safe Speed Forums

Double drink driver banned

By Jane Lavender


A drink driver has been banned from the road for almost four years after being caught drunk behind the wheel for the second time in less than six months. Kristopher Bell, aged 21, of Cavendish Gardens, Daubhill, pleaded guilty to drink driving when he appeared at Bolton Magistrates' Court yesterday (MON).The court heard he was almost three times over the legal limit when officers pulled him over on May 26.


Bell claimed he had been stressed since his grandfather died two years ago, and used drink as a way of escape. His mother is being treated for cancer and his brother is serving with the armed forces in Iraq, he told the court. Bell was already banned from the road after being caught over the limit while driving in February, the court heard. Magistrates banned Bell from driving for 42 months and placed him under a five month curfew between 10pm and 5am Monday to Friday and 7pm to 5am on Saturday and Sunday. He was also fined £43 costs.


Passing sentence, chairman of the bench, Malcolm Bristow, said: "You are a very lucky man as this is a serious offence and you could have been looking at a custodial sentence, but we are giving you a second chance and it's up to you to use it to your advantage."