Disqualified driver caught over drink-drive limit by off-duty police officer in Ely
Lee Westhorpe sentenced for drink driving, disqualified driving and driving uninsured
A disqualified driver caught by an off-duty police officer while over the drink-drive limit has been sentenced at Peterborough Magistrates’ Court.
Lee Westhorpe, 42, was found attempting to fill his blue Hyundai with fuel at Tesco in Angel Drove, Ely, on 10th July. An off-duty policeman noticed his unsteadiness and suspected him of being over the alcohol limit.
The officer alerted police and prevented Westhorpe from driving away. A roadside breath test showed Westhorpe had 119 microgrammes, more than three times the legal limit of 35 microgrammes per 100 millilitres of breath. He later provided an evidential sample of 77 microgrammes in custody.
Westhorpe, of Anson Way, Thetford, pleaded guilty to drink driving, driving while disqualified, and driving without insurance. He received a 10-week prison sentence, suspended for 18 months, and a three-year, 10-month driving disqualification.
PC Harvey Barker, who led the investigation, commended the off-duty officer for potentially preventing a serious accident, highlighting the risks associated with drink driving.
"We will continue to take action against those who choose to ignore the law and endanger other road users," said Barker.