Banned driver who was twice the legal limit claims he has not had a drink since
IAN Bolan, of Porthcawl, claims the experience of drink-driving put “the fear of God into him,” after he was arrested last month.
On February 21, 2022, Mr Bolan shared three bottles of wine with his partner. After an argument, he decided to drive his father’s car to a nearby garage to buy cigarettes.
Police caught Mr Bolan driving alone on a provisional driving licence, and without insurance.
When breathalysed he was found to have 125 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath – more than twice the legal limit in England and Wales.
Dave Watkins, of the probation service, told the court that Mr Bolan “happened to go overboard” because emotions were running high after the argument.
“He did not really think about the consequences of his actions,” said Mr Watkins.
Mr Bolan pleaded guilty in Cardiff Magistrates’ Court on Thursday to three motoring offences.
Leila Williams, defending, told the court that Mr Bolan “thought he would probably get away with it because it wasn’t very far”.
“He recognises his actions could have had very serious harm to other people. The whole experience has put the fear of God into him,” she said.
“He is extremely ashamed of making that reckless decision.”
Mr Bolan claims he has not had a drink since.
Nigel Buckland, chair of the magistrates, said: “Mr Bolan, you had a close escape today. I think you realise the implications of your decision and of what could have happened.”
The father of two was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol, without insurance and without a full licence.
He will undertake 200 hours of community service and has been ordered to pay £180 to cover his fine and court fees. He has also been disqualified from driving for 30 months.
