Somerset man banned from driving after being caught behind wheel with open port bottle in vehicle
43-year-old Trevor Nex admitted to several driving offences including drink driving and driving without insurance
A Somerset man has been banned from driving for more than 5 years after he was caught behind the wheel of a vehicle in Somerset with an open bottle of port in the centre console.
Trevor Nex, 43, of Baytree Farm, Watchfield, Highbridge, pleaded guilty to driving a motor vehicle while above the alcohol limit, driving while disqualified, and for using a vehicle on a road without third party insurance at a hearing at Taunton Magistrates’ Court in October last year (2025).
He was sentenced on Wednesday 28 January to a 63-month driving disqualification, ordered to complete 100 hours of unpaid work, a rehabilitation activity requirement.
He was also ordered to pay £85 in costs and a £114 victim surcharge.
Nex was arrested on 29th November in Hellings Cross, Bathelton, West Somerset, after police responded to reports of a 4X4 being driven under the influence of alcohol.
Upon arrival, officers observed Nex exiting the driver's seat of the vehicle, with a cigarette in one hand and a phone in the other, before he attempted to walk away.
When confronted, he claimed the vehicle was not his, but officers noticed the smell of alcohol and an open bottle of port in the vehicle and arrested him.
Nex admitted at the scene he didn’t have a driving licence due to a previous ban, and when asked how much he had to drink he replied: “Oh, I’ve had a couple of ports.”
Inspector Matt Boiles, of the roads policing team, said: “This is an appalling case involving a man who was driving a large 4X4 under the influence of alcohol with an open bottle of port inside the cab of his vehicle, while he was disqualified.
“Whether you’re in a rural area or a city centre, drink driving can never be justified, and this sentence means Nex can no longer put himself or others at risk of serious injury, or worse, through his utterly selfish actions.
“We’re committed to tackling drink drivers all-year-round so if you know someone who regularly drinks or takes drugs and drives, please don’t stay silent. Your report could stop a dangerous driver before they hurt or kill someone.”