Retired postman banned from driving after drink-fuelled crash in Chard - 🚨

Report by Duncan Williams for Pulman's Weekly News

A retired postman from South Somerset has been banned from driving after crashing his car into a lorry in Chard while nearly twice the legal drink-drive limit.

John Nichols, aged 74, of Frog Lane, Combe St Nicholas, appeared before Yeovil Magistrates' Court where he admitted to driving after consuming excess alcohol.

The court heard that on 16th December last year, Nichols had drunk a glass of wine at home before receiving a call from the garage informing him that his car was ready for collection. After retrieving his Nissan Note, he was driving along Chard High Street at around 2.30pm when he collided with a Peugeot Boxer lorry.

Police were called to the scene, and Nichols was asked to complete a roadside breath test, which he failed. He was subsequently taken into custody where a further test revealed a reading of 63 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath - the legal limit being 35 microgrammes.

Prosecutor Andrew Meadows told the court that Nichols made full admissions when questioned by officers.

Defending, Greg Peters said Nichols deeply regretted his actions, describing the incident as a “stupid mistake” and an “error of judgement”. He added that the offence was entirely out of character for his client, who was extremely remorseful.

Magistrates disqualified Nichols from driving for 19 months. He was also fined £184, ordered to pay £85 in court costs, and a £74 victim surcharge.

( Photo: iStock 📸 )