Sleaford HGV driver who drank ‘four-and-a-half pints’ didn’t think he’d be over the limit when stopped in Bourne

A man who got behind the wheel after drinking ‘about four-and-a-half pints’ lost his driving licence - and possibly his job.

John Britchford said he didn’t think he would be over the legal limit when police stopped him on North Street in Bourne earlier this month.

The 53-year-old – who recently obtained his HGV licence – said it would ‘look like’ he’d lose his job when he pleaded guilty to drink driving at Boston Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday.

Prosecutor Alison McIlroy told the court the incident took place at around 8.45pm on December 3.

“Police caused Mr Britchford’s grey Audi Q5 to stop as a result of information received on an unrelated matter,” she said.

More stories like this delivered straight to your inbox every morning - sign up to The Briefing here.

“Whilst speaking to him they believed he could have been drinking.”

Britchford, who recently obtained his HGV licence, gave a reading of 60 micrograms of alcohol per 100ml of breath. The legal limit is 35mcg.

Defending himself, Britchford told the court: “It was a huge mistake. I’m usually a law abiding citizen and this was stupid of me.

“I’ve got to live with the consequences and I’ll never do it again.

“I’ve not touched a drop since, my world’s come crashing down.

“I didn’t think I was over the limit.”

When asked how much he had drunk, Britchford told District Judge Peter Veits: “About four-and-a-half pints, but two of them were shandys.”

Judge Veits responded by pointing out: “You never know how much is in a shandy do you?”

Britchford, of Old Place, Sleaford, was given a 16-month driving ban, which could be reduced by four months if he takes the drink driver rehabilitation course.

He was also fined £120 and ordered to pay £85 costs and the £48 surcharge.