A MAN has admitted driving while over the alcohol limit after celebrating his 50th birthday.
Edward John Longden was stopped after he drove to buy a takeaway, the Magistrate’s Court heard.
St Helier Centenier Paul Huelin, prosecuting, told the court that police officers had gone to Snow Hill at 8.40pm on 13 December after reports that a vehicle was causing an obstruction.
Longden’s car was found there stationary but with the engine still running.
Mr Huelin said: “They saw him approach it and get into the driver’s seat. He was unsteady on his feet.”
A breath test at the States police headquarters showed he had 90 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath. The legal maximum is 35 micrograms.
The Centenier added: “He made a full and frank admission. He’d gone out to celebrate his 50th birthday.
“He has no idea why he decided to drive to get a takeaway.”
Advocate James Bell, defending, said his client was “genuinely remorseful” and added: “He gives an assurance that the court won’t see him again.”
Relief Magistrate Sarah Fitz banned him from driving for two years and sentenced him to 100 hours of community service.
She told him: “You are a good man who made a serious mistake.”
She also ordered Longden to retake his driving test after the ban comes to an end.
