Necton man crashed his newly-bought car into gate while drink driving in Swaffham

A drink driver who doesn’t have a licence crashed into a gate in a car he had bought on the same day.

John Gooch, 34, of Chantry Court in Necton, appeared at Lynn Magistrates’ Court on Thursday where he pleaded guilty to three offences.

He admitted to driving above the alcohol limit as well as driving his newly bought Mercedes with no licence or insurance.

Prosecutor Qamar Iqbal explained that on Thursday, July 27, police were called to reports of a collision on Low Road in Swaffham.

Gooch admitted to police that it was him who was driving and that he didn’t have a licence.

He was subsequently arrested and taken into police custody where a breathalyser test was conducted. It gave a reading of 90mcg of alcohol per 100ml of breath, the legal limit to drive is 35mcg.

In mitigation, George Sorrell said: “When the police attended, the defendant was courteous and helpful.

“He explained that he works on a poultry farm, it is hard work but somebody has to do it.

“Prior to this incident, his father had passed away and he bought the car to travel to his father’s funeral.”

Mr Sorrell added: “In his drunken state, he took his car out for a ride, quite the wrong thing to do.”

Gooch was banned from driving for 25 months and was fined £600.

He was also ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £240 and court costs of £105.