King’s Lynn man Benjamin Crossley who was caught drink-driving in Downham Market banned from driving for three years
A 28-year-old has been banned from driving for more than three years following his second drink-driving conviction – but told police he was “almost glad” that he was stopped.
Benjamin Crossley, of St Nicholas Street in Lynn, appeared at the town’s magistrates’ court on Thursday where he admitted to driving above the specified alcohol limit.
Prosecutor Abdul Khan explained that the offence took place on February 2, when Crossley was stopped by police at around 4pm.
The court was told that he was driving along the A10 at Downham when officers pulled him over and asked him to carry out a roadside breath test.
This test came back positive and he was arrested and taken to Lynn’s Police Investigation Centre – where he provided a further reading of 56mcg of alcohol per 100ml of breath. The legal limit to drive is 35mcg.
Crossley was disqualified from driving in 2017 for 24 months. Having committed a second offence, it meant he was handed a mandatory disqualification of 36 months.
In mitigation, George Sorrell explained that Crossley was facing difficulties when it happened.
Mr Sorrell said: “At the time of the offence, things were going very badly for the defendant.
“He admitted to the police that he had a drink problem. When he spoke to police at the scene he said he was almost glad he was caught.
“He has stopped drinking since.”
The solicitor added: “This is a man who has stopped a bad habit and is looking into the future.”
Crossley was given a 38-month driving disqualification and fined £120.
He will also pay a victim surcharge of £48 and court costs of £50.