Man, 42, banned after admitting to drink driving charge

A man who made a “stupid decision” to get behind the wheel after drinking has been banned from driving for more than a year.

Andrew Dry, of Russet Close, in St Ives, admitted to a count of driving whilst above the legal alcohol limit and a further charge of failing to stop for a police officer.

Last Friday, Cambridge Magistrates’ Court heard that, on October 28, Dry was driving in Hill Rise, St Ives, when he was spotted by police officers.

“The officers saw the blue Ford Focus, driven by the defendant, pull towards them as he sped round the bend,” said Paul Brown, prosecuting.

Magistrate Rosie Cowan was told that the officers put the emergency lights and sirens on and followed Dry until he slowed down.

“Officers got out of the police car and, as they did, the Ford Focus accelerated away at speed,” added Mr Brown.

Dry sped through Ramsey Road until officers managed to pull along side him as he slowed down before “brushing alongside the car preventing him from getting out

and running off ”.

The 42-year-old, who was unrepresented in court, said that he had “made a stupid decision” by drink driving and failing to stop.

In sentencing, Mrs Cowan said: “We will have no option but to take your driving licence and you will be disqualified.

“You made a mistake, what you need to do now is make sure you don’t make another one.”

Dry was banned for 16 months, with the option to shorten the length of the sentence by taking a drink drive course, along with a £360 fine, £35 victim surcharge and £85 court costs.