Drink driver caught after learner crashed into his vehicle in Northampton

A drink driver was caught after a learner crashed into the back of his car at a set of traffic lights in Northampton.

By The Newsroom

Published 9th Feb 2016, 06:24 BST

Updated 17th Feb 2016, 06:23 BST

Northampton Magistrates Court NNL-150303-120601001

Stanislavs Petrovs, aged 63, was found to be just over the legal alcohol limit after he was taken to hospital to be treated for a neck injury.

Northampton Magistrates’ Court heard.

Stella Moses, prosecuting, said Petrovs was driving a Citroen XSara on December 7 at about 3.15pm in Balfour Road, Northampton, when a car crashed into the back of his vehicle as he was stationary at a red light.

A blood sample taken from Petrovs at hospital showed he had 93 milligrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of blood. The legal limit is 80.

Lisa Collins, mitigating, said Petrovs had drunk a lot of alcohol the night before and thought he was fine to drive. She said he had also admitted drinking a can of beer in the morning.

Petrovs, of Adelaide Street, Northampton, was banned from driving for a year. He was fined £190, must pay costs of £85 and victim surcharge of £20.