Snettisham chef caught drink-driving on the A148 in Harpley banned from driving for just under two years

A drink-driver who was seen drifting in the road decided to drive after a lift he arranged got cancelled.

Philip Milner, 48, of Pedlars Mews, Snettisham, appeared at Lynn’s Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, where he admitted to driving above the specified alcohol limit on the A148 in Harpley.

It happened on Saturday, May 27 and prosecutor Emma Pocknell told the court that at around 10.25pm, Milner was seen driving an Audi which was “drifting towards the white line”.

Police made the decision to pull Milner over and reported that his eyes were glazed and they could smell alcohol on him.

A breathalyser test was conducted with Milner giving a reading of 90mcg of alcohol per 100ml of breath – the legal limit to drive is 35mcg.

The court was told Milner was a man of previously good character with no convictions.

Mitigating was Charlotte Winchester, who said that the defendant is a chef.

She said: “Mr Milner had been working all day then had drinks in the evening. He had organised a lift but was let down and he has expressed his remorse for being here.

“He’s a recognised chef in the area, after this incident he has lost his job and is looking for work.

“His life has taken a turn for the worse since this.

“He’s admitted that his drinking is a problem and has cut back by 75%.”

Magistrates banned Milner from driving for 23 months and he was fined £200.

He was also ordered to pay £105 in court costs and an £80 victim surcharge.