Former alcoholic was caught drink-driving

AN alcoholic who spent 19 years teetotal relapsed and was caught drink-driving. Marcus Anthony Maundrell, 49, who lives at Idam Signs Caravan Park in Chivenor, admitted drink-driving when he appeared at North Devon Magistrates' Court on Friday.

Maundrell, who defended himself in court, explained he had been a heavy drinker in the past.

He said: "I have over a number of years had problems with alcohol."

He said how he "got clean" and spent 19 years teetotal before a combination of factors caused him to relapse.

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He blamed the breakdown of his marriage, a lack of work and limited access to his children for the relapse, which happened last year.

Maundrell said he then got clean again by leaving the country for several months, before returning on Boxing Day.

However, the festive season provided too much temptation to drink and Maundrell again lapsed.

Karen Ball, for the prosecution, said Maundrell was arrested after police saw his Vauxhall Astra swerving and crossing the white lines on the A39 between Bideford and Barnstaple at 11.30pm on January 7.

The police officer stopped Maundrell and breathalysed him, where he blew a sample above the legal limit.

He was arrested and taken to Barnstaple Police Station where he blew a second sample of 61 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath. The legal limit is 35.

Magistrates banned him from driving for 17 months, fined him £50 and ordered him to pay a £20 victim surcharge and £20 costs.