A 78-year old man from Tidworth who pleaded guilty to drink driving was banned from driving for three years.

Clive Ellis, of Hilltop Avenue, Tidworth, appeared at Salisbury Magistrates’ Court on Friday, December 10, where he pleaded guilty to driving when over the alcohol limit.

He was caught on 26 November by a police officer on a mobile patrol on Pennings Road, Tidworth, who acted on intelligence that suggested the driver may be intoxicated.

The officer followed the vehicle for a short distance during which he witnessed a poor manner of driving from Ellis, who was stopped and arrested after failing a breath test.

Ellis was ordered to be an £800 fine, a further £165 in costs and surcharges, and disqualified for 36 months.

A Wiltshire Police spokesman said: “This result is the combination of intelligence provided to us and the awareness of the officer on patrol that evening.

“The manner of driving of Ellis that evening highlighted just how much of an impact alcohol has on your ability to drive and is incredibly reckless and dangerous.

“We continue to urge anyone who has any information about someone they have concerns about driving after having a drink or if you see someone get behind the wheel having been drinking, to contact us immediately. The information you provide could save a life.”

The national drink and drug drive campaign led by the National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC) runs throughout December, raising awareness of the potential dangers and consequences of drink and drug driving.

Throughout the month-long campaign, Wiltshire Police’s Roads Policing Unit will be supported by Community Policing Teams across Wiltshire and Swindon to carry out increased patrols and operational activity, conduct high profile and intelligence-led traffic stops, and target those motorists who pose a huge risk to themselves and the lives of other road users.

If you believe someone is driving under the influence of drink or drugs call 101 and select option 2 for the Drink Drive hotline, or report them on the Wiltshire Police website. 

In an emergency, dial 999.

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