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Terence Relph, from Canterbury, caught drink-driving after downing pints while watching World Cup at pub

14:00, 19 January 2023

updated: 14:05, 23 January 2023

A football fan who downed three-and-a-half pints after staying at a pub to watch a World Cup penalty shoot-out was pulled over by police as he drove home.

Terence Relph was stopped by officers in his Saab 900 in Nargate Street in Littlebourne, near Canterbury, on December 9 after they became concerned about his driving.

Terence Relph has been banned from driving
Terence Relph has been banned from driving

The 60-year-old admitted he had been drinking and was asked to do a breath test.

Relph, of The Street, Wickhambreaux, gave a reading of 43 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath, when the legal limit is 35.

He was charged with drink-driving and admitted the offence when he appeared at Folkestone Magistrates' Court on January 11.

James Nichols, prosecuting, said: "It was about 6pm on December 9 and police were concerned over his driving.

"He admitted he'd had three-and-a-half pints and the reading was 43. He had no similar convictions."

Relph admitted drink-driving when he appeared at Folkestone Magistrates Court
Relph admitted drink-driving when he appeared at Folkestone Magistrates Court

Defending himself, Relph said: "I should not have stayed to watch the penalties. I don't normally drink more than two-and-a-half pints. I've had a clean driving licence all my life."

District Judge Justin Barron told Relph it was a low reading and he took into consideration he'd had a clean driving record up to this point.

He fined him £120 for the offence and banned him from the road for 12 months.

Relph was also ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £48 and £85 costs.

If he completes a drink-driving course, his ban will be reduced by a quarter.

Judge Barron also warned Relph before he left the dock to be careful what he drunk in the future.

He pointed out that drinking two-and-a-half pints before getting in a vehicle could also result in him being over the legal limit.

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