Drunk driver caught behind the wheel at Bridport Morrisons

David James Wyllie, 38, admitted drink driving in a Bridport supermarket car park as well as being in charge of a vehicle while over the drink drive limit on the A37 near the Dorset-Somerset border.

Prosecuting, Richard Oakley, told Weymouth Magistrates’ Court how officers had been tipped off to a possible drink driver in a Ford Fiesta at Bridport’s Morrisons on Friday, November 23, 2020.

He said: “At about 3.30pm, police attended Morrisons petrol station in Bridport following a report of a possible drunken driver driving a Ford Fiesta.

“At about 4.30pm, the same vehicle was located by a police officer in the car park. The vehicle was partially parked in a parking bay and on the kerb.

“After leaving the vehicle, Mr Wyllie was found to be unsteady on his feet. He admitted he ‘had a couple (of drinks)’ and he failed a breathalyser test.

“He said he had a bottle of vodka but that was in the morning. He attended the police station and provided two readings.”

Wyllie provided a reading of 86 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath and was subsequently charged with drink driving. The legal limit is 35 microgrammes.

Approximately where Wyllie was found on the A37

A month later, Wyllie was found in a layby on the A37 near to the junction for Holt Mill in Holywell after calling the police on Saturday, December 19, 2020 after 1.20pm.

Mr Oakley said: “Police were notified by Avon and Somerset Police of a male reporting himself for drink driving.

“The vehicle was identified in a layby. He was in the vehicle, he was sole occupant and alcohol could be smelt on his breath.”

Wyllie was arrested and underwent a breathalyser test at Weymouth Police Station, which provided a reading of 116 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath.

Mr Oakley added Wyllie, of no fixed address, was interviewed and offered no comment. As there were no witnesses to his driving, Wyllie was charged with being in charge of a motor vehicle above the alcohol limit.

Wyllie, appearing unrepresented, told magistrates how he was struggling with his alcoholism but was seeking support.

Outside Weymouth Magistrates' Court

He said: “I am an alcoholic and I have massive issues. In regards to the second case, I didn’t start drinking until I stopped the car and I called the police.”

Magistrates asked him why he contacted the police, in which he replied: “Because I thought I would be in danger to public health.

“I plead guilty to every charge. I need help.”

Mrs Wayman banned Wyllie from driving for 22 months and issued him an 18-month community order with a Rehabilitation Activity Requirement for 20 days.

Wyllie was also ordered to pay a £95 victim surcharge.