Construction landscaper Paul Baldwin, from Deal, banned from driving over limit with frosted-up windows
Published: 14:00, 15 January 2023
A construction landscaper seen driving by police during the early hours with frosted-up windows was found to be over the drink-drive limit.
Paul Baldwin was spotted behind the wheel of his VW Polo in St Patricks Road, in Deal, when officers stopped him just before 3am on December 10.
After speaking to him, they decided to give him a breath test which proved positive and he was arrested on suspicion of drink-driving.
Baldwin, of Diana Gardens, Deal, was found to have 67 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath, 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.
The court heard the 46-year-old made full and frank admissions to police when arrested.
James Nichols prosecuting said: "He has no previous convictions."
District Judge Justin Barron also heard Baldwin had previously been in a road accident which resulted in him suffering from PTSD which he was receiving counselling for and was taking medication to combat.
The judge was also told Baldwin worked all over the county but his firm would keep him on in the short term despite not being able to drive after his conviction.
Judge Barron decided to ban Baldwin from the road for 18 months for the offence and also fined him £364.
He was also ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £146 and £85 costs.
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Lynn Cox