Sanjay Dhari, a 46-year-old man from Cypress Grove, Swindon, was caught driving with an alarming 165 microgrammes of alcohol per 100ml of breath, which is more than four times the UK legal limit of 35 microgrammes.
The incident occurred on July 4 when Dhari arrived at a Kwik Fit garage on Great Western Way for a vehicle check while heavily intoxicated. Staff at the garage quickly became concerned as Dhari was seen wobbling on his feet, crashing into a wall, and eventually passing out on the premises.
Witnesses reported Dhari’s highly intoxicated state, which led to urgent police intervention. Officers were called to the scene, but Dhari was too intoxicated to provide a roadside breathalyser sample. He was subsequently arrested on suspicion of failing to provide a sample and taken into custody, where further tests confirmed his dangerously high alcohol level.
At Swindon Magistrates Court on August 22, Dhari pleaded guilty to drink driving. He was sentenced to 18 weeks in prison, suspended for two years, and received a three-year driving ban.
PC Daniel Laurie condemned Dhari’s actions, stating: “To be this intoxicated and in charge of a vehicle on our busy roads during rush hour is quite frankly absolutely disgraceful. It’s selfish, dangerous, and puts the lives of innocent road users at risk.”
In addition to the suspended sentence and driving ban, Dhari was ordered to undergo a nine-month alcohol treatment order and was fined £50, with a £154 surcharge and £85 in court costs.
Wiltshire Police reiterated their zero-tolerance policy towards the “fatal five” driving offences, particularly drink driving, and urged the public to report any suspicious behaviour promptly.
Originally published by UKNIP.
