A DRINK driver flipped a £16,000 Audi onto its roof after trying to drive while he was more than three times the legal alcohol limit.
Christopher Holt, 39, who works as a senior aviation coordinator in Chester, admitted the offence at Chester Magistrates Court on Friday, December 3.
The court heard how Holt crashed his Audi A6 on the A483 at 4.15am on November 14 and gave a breath alcohol reading of 114, the legal limit being 35.
Prosecuting, Ann Rouse said: “The accident occurred on the Herons Way roundabout in Chester. The car ended up on its roof and a ‘keep left’ sign was also damaged.
“He was helped from his car by a witness, who happened to be an off-duty police officer.
“Police officers arriving at the scene said it was clear he had been drinking as he smelled strongly of intoxicants.”
Kirsty Ruddin, defending, said that this was an isolated incident. “Mr Holt has no previous convictions and is a man of previous good character,” she said.
“He has already suffered financially as his car has been written off, and he admits this was a serious error of judgement. He can’t remember why he made the decision to drive on this occasion.”
Holt was disqualified from driving for 26 months and given a six-month community order with a three-month curfew which operates Monday - Thursday 8pm - 6am. He must also pay £85 costs. The length of the ban could be reduced by six months if he successfully completes a drink-drive reduction course.
