Fakenham man fined more than £1,000 after crashing into wall while three times above drink drive limit

A man has been fined more than £1,000 after he crashed into a wall whilst three times over the drink drive limit.

Gary Clayson, 32, of Norman Close, Fakenham, pleaded guilty to driving a vehicle while over the drink drive limit when he appeared in King’s Lynn magistrates’ court on Monday, January 8.

The court heard how, on December 2, a member of the public called the police after seeing Clayson drive at excess speed and drive into a wall, at around 1.30pm on Norwich Road, Fakenham.

Nicola Pope, prosecuting, said Clayson then walked towards Valley Way and that no one had appeared to be hurt.

Police arrived at the scene, took photos and traced the car back to Clayson.

Ms Pope said Clayson made full admission to the offence when he was interviewed by police, telling them: “I came home to tell my wife I crashed my car into a wall and I was drinking.”

Ms Pope added that after Clayson underwent a breath test the lowest reading came back as 116mcg of alcohol in 100ml of breath. The legal limit is 35mcg.

Tim Bartlam, mitigating for Clayson, said the defendant had planned to walk to the Christmas lights switch on in Fakenham with his wife but got in the car to get some cash.

Mr Bartlam added that he drove a short distance, less than two miles

“He had a couple of drinks but forgotten the night before he had been heavy in drink,” Mr Bartlam added.

“Unfortunately, in the spur of the moment, he got in the car.

“He cooperated with the police and he was surprised the reading was so high.”

“He has no previous convictions which is a big factor and he has held down a very responsible job for 12 years. “He goes out to work at five in the morning, he has trained himself to wake up early and walk to work now.”

Chairman of the bench Jean Meldrum fined Clayson £1,038. He was also ordered to pay £103 victim surcharge and £85 court costs and has been disqualified from driving for 28 months.