Bath drink-driver banned after hitting vehicles and wiping out traffic lights

A pensioner from Bath has this week been banned from driving after he knocked down a set of traffic lights and crashed into other vehicles whilst drunk.

Image courtesy of Wiltshire Police

At approximately 5.20pm on 31st March, officers from Wiltshire Police were called to a collision on Frome Road in Trowbridge where a vehicle had mounted the pavement and collided with multiple vehicles, as well as flattened traffic lights.

Garrick Jones, of Holburne Park, Bathwick, was identified as the driver and failed a roadside breath test. He was arrested and taken to custody where he provided a further reading which showed he was over the drink-drive limit.

The 73-year-old appeared in court the following day and pleaded guilty to drink-driving.

He was remanded in custody and was back in court on Monday 11th May when he was handed a 27-month ban and ordered to carry out 80 hours of unpaid work under a community order.

After the sentencing, PC Craig Beales, from Wiltshire Police’s Roads Policing Unit, said: “This incident shows just how dangerous and reckless drink-driving is. It was only through sheer luck that no one was seriously injured when Jones’ vehicle mounted the pavement and struck multiple cars and traffic lights.

“Jones was found to be well over the limit following the collision and in no fit state to be behind the wheel of a car. We will continue to take robust action against anyone who chooses to get behind the wheel while intoxicated, and we urge the public to report concerns if they suspect someone is driving under the influence.”

As part of his sentence, Garrick must also attend 20 rehabilitation days, pay a £114 surcharge and prosecution costs of £85.