A man convicted of drinking and driving has pledged never to drive again.
Paul Anthony Palmer (64) was seen staggering and unsteady on his feet as he drove his grey Mini Cooper out of the St Peter's Co-op, the Magistrate's Court was told.
A member of the public spotted him, at 09:25 on 24 September, and alerted the police. He was foundto have 82 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of his breath, more than twice the legal maximum of 35 micrograms.
Advocate Rui Tremoceiro, defending, said that Palmer had no previous convictions and was deemed at low risk of re-conviction, so a probation order was not necessary.
He added: “Mr Palmer is disappointed in himself for breaking the law. He is very remorseful, and apprehensive about these proceedings.”
He also said: “He knows he will be disqualified but he will not retake his test, as he is adamant that he will not be driving.”
Assistant Magistrate Adam Clarke fined Palmer £5,000, and told him: “You are a danger to everybody if you drink and drive.”
Despite his promise not to drive again the Assistant Magistrate imposed a two-year driving ban and ordered him to retake the driving test if he does decide to resume driving.
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