A local man has been banned from driving for nine months this morning after pleading guilty to a drink driving offence.

Mohammed Ben Haddou, 30, of Devil’s Tower Road, was also fined £230 by the Magistrates’ Court and a further £200 for an expired Motor Vehicle Test (MVT).

The court heard that just before 2am on Saturday 7th September, Traffic Officers were stationed on Europort Road by the Varyl Begg Social Club, when they heard a high revving sound as a vehicle approached their location. 

Officers then saw a Volkswagen Golf being driven north at speed by Ben Haddou. Whilst negotiating the roundabout, Ben Haddou drove the wrong way against the flow of traffic, towards the entrance of the Harbour Views Estate.

Officers gave chase on their motorcycles, with the car driving back onto the right side of the road, before swerving from left to right and narrowly missing the central reservation.

Officers activated their blue lights and the car came to a stop by the Hackney Garage on North Mole Road. On speaking to Ben Haddou, officers noticed that he smelt of alcoholic drink, had slurred speech and his eyes were glazed. 

He then blew 88ug on the road side breath test and was arrested on suspicion of Driving with Alcohol Concentration over Limit. The legal limit is 35ug. Officers then noticed that his MVT had expired on 15 July 2023.

At New Mole House Police Station, he provided a sample on the evidential breath test machine, which gave a reading of 66ug. He was later charged for court.

If anyone has concerns about a person driving whilst under the influence of alcohol or drugs, they can call the RGP in confidence on 200 72500 or 999 in emergencies – you could help save someone’s life.