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Drink-driver from Bircham Newton seen ‘erratically swerving’ in Fakenham had been to the pub




A drink-driver was seen by police “erratically swerving” when turning a corner.

Kai Walpole, 22, of Monks Close, Bircham Newton, appeared at Lynn Magistrates’ Court on Thursday where he admitted to driving above the specified alcohol limit.

Prosecutor Colette Harper explained that on November 16, police came across Walpole’s “bad manner of driving” along White Horse Street in Fakenham.

Walpole appeared at Lynn Magistrates' Court
Walpole appeared at Lynn Magistrates' Court

Police said that they saw the Ford Focus Walpole was driving turning left when it was “erratically swerving” and “nearly overcompensated”.

This gave reason for officers to pull over Walpole, who confessed to police that he had been in the pub drinking before driving.

He was arrested and taken to Lynn’s Police Investigation Centre for questioning. A roadside breath test was also carried out which came back with a reading of 51mcg of alcohol per 100ml of breath. The legal limit to drive is 35mcg.

In mitigation, George Sorrell that Walpole “wouldn’t normally drink-drive” but wanted to escape a “heated argument” that broke out at the pub.

“The defendant was cooperative and courteous when stopped by the police,” said Mr Sorrell.

The solicitor explained that Walpole had been to the pub with friends, but an argument had broken out.

Mr Sorrell said: “He did the best thing and left the scene and chose to get as far away as he could. But made the mistake of getting in the car.”

Walpole was disqualified from driving for 15 months and fined £460.

He will also pay a victim surcharge of £184 and court costs of £105.



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