A man caught driving whilst already disqualified has been handed a further 63-month ban from the roads after officers discovered an open bottle of port in his vehicle.
Trevor Nex, 43, of Baytree Farm, Watchfield, Highbridge, was sentenced at Taunton Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday 28 January after pleading guilty to driving whilst above the alcohol limit, driving whilst disqualified, and using a vehicle without third party insurance. The court ordered him to complete 100 hours of unpaid work and a rehabilitation activity requirement, alongside paying £85 in costs and a £114 victim surcharge.
Police arrested Nex at Hellings Cross, Bathelton, West Somerset on 29 November following reports of a suspected drink driver in the area. Officers witnessed a 4×4 vehicle park up before Nex exited the driver’s seat and attempted to walk away whilst on a mobile phone and smoking a cigarette.
When officers approached and asked him to return to the vehicle, Nex claimed it wasn’t his. The officer informed him he had been observed in the driving seat and stated: “We have had reports that this vehicle has been drink driving (sic). You have just got out of the vehicle, there is a bottle in there and I can smell alcohol on you, so at this time I’m detaining you.”
Police walked Nex back to his vehicle, seized the keys and placed him under arrest. Officers discovered an open bottle of port in the centre console of the 4×4.
At the scene, Nex acknowledged he did not possess a driving licence due to a previous disqualification. When questioned about his alcohol consumption, he replied: “Oh, I’ve had a couple of ports.”
The defendant entered guilty pleas to all offences at an earlier court hearing on 22 October, when magistrates imposed an interim driving disqualification pending his sentencing.
Inspector Matt Boiles of the roads policing team stated: “This is an appalling case involving a man who was driving a large 4X4 under the influence of alcohol with an open bottle of port inside the cab of his vehicle, while he was disqualified.”
The inspector added: “Whether you’re in a rural area or a city centre, drink driving can never be justified, and this sentence means Nex can no longer put himself or others at risk of serious injury, or worse, through his utterly selfish actions.”
Police emphasized their commitment to tackling impaired driving throughout the year. Inspector Boiles urged the public to report suspected drink or drug drivers, stating: “We’re committed to tackling drink drivers all-year-round so if you know someone who regularly drinks or takes drugs and drives, please don’t stay silent. Your report could stop a dangerous driver before they hurt or kill someone.”
The 63-month disqualification will run from the sentencing date, preventing Nex from legally operating a vehicle on public roads until early 2031. Upon completion of the ban, he will be required to apply for a new licence and may face additional testing before being permitted to drive again.
