Drink-driver who flashed his lights at police van '˜in his way' in Northampton fined £800

Jessel Dore, aged 51, of Wrenbury Road, Northampton, was driving his Ford Focus up Bridge Street shortly after midnight on April 10 when he was forced to stop behind a police van blocking the road.

Northampton Crown Court heard Dore flashed his lights and “invited the police officers to get out of his way”.

When the police van did not move, Dore began reversing his vehicle towards the A5123.

Ben Gow, prosecuting, said a number of cars were forced to take evasive action and police decided to pursue Dore’s vehicle.

He was stopped near the Gas Street roundabout and, after being breathalysed, he gave a reading of 84 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath. The legal limit is 35 microgrammes.

His Honour Judge Timothy Smith banned Dore, who pleaded guilty to careless driving and driving over the alcohol limit, from driving for 20 months.

He was also fined £800 and must pay costs of £85.