A 40-year-old man from Wolverhampton has been banned from driving after being caught over the legal alcohol limit while behind the wheel of a van. Dilbagh Bhakar was seen by police trying to reverse a Peugeot Boxer on Connaught Road on July 11, apparently in an effort to create distance between himself and his partner following a disagreement.
Officers stopped Bhakar and, detecting the smell of alcohol, conducted a roadside breath test which revealed he was above the drink-drive limit. Subsequent testing at the police station confirmed his breath alcohol level was 75 micrograms per 100 millilitres, more than double the legal limit of 35 micrograms.
At Dudley Magistrates' Court on August 20, Bhakar pleaded guilty to driving while over the alcohol limit. His defence lawyer, John Derry, explained that Bhakar had been drinking heavily the night before the incident and had consumed alcohol during an argument with his partner the following morning. Mr Derry emphasised that Bhakar’s actions were an isolated event and that he does not have issues with alcohol.
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Since the incident, Bhakar has relocated to Portsmouth, residing at his parents' home and assisting with their family retail business.
The court imposed a fine of £276, a victim surcharge of £110, and court costs amounting to £85. Bhakar was disqualified from driving for 20 months; however, he has been offered the opportunity to reduce this ban by 20 weeks if he completes a drink-drive rehabilitation course by 1 October 2027.