Downham Market man Dean Adams in King’s Lynn court after drink-driving offence

A father has been left heartbroken after being caught drink-driving following a visit to the pub.

Dean Adams, 44, of Maple Road in Downham, appeared at Lynn Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, where he admitted the offence.

He committed it on March 31, when police spotted him driving a Volkswagen Caddy van into his home town.

When he was pulled over, Adams admitted he had just left the pub and had consumed four pints of Stella Artois.

He failed a roadside breath test and was arrested, being transported to the Lynn Police Investigation Centre.

While in custody, he provided a reading of 46mcg of alcohol per 100ml of breath. The legal limit to drive is 35mcg.

The court heard that there were no concerns about Adams’ manner of driving.

Appearing unrepresented, he said: “I am ashamed of what I’ve done. I genuinely didn’t feel intoxicated.”

Adams said he had been going through some issues in his personal life at the time of his offence, and had just dropped his daughter off when he decided to go to the pub.

“If I felt any effects, I would not have got in the van,” he said.

“I am sorry. I have let my daughter down, and that is what is the worst. That is what is breaking my heart the most.”

Magistrates disqualified Adams, who was a man of previous good character, from driving for 13 months.

He was offered a drink-driving rehabilitation course which, if completed by January 16 next year, will reduce that term by 13 weeks.

He will also pay a £450 fine, £180 victim surcharge and £85 in court costs.