Engineer changes his plea

AN engineer recently dismissed from work for turning up with alcohol on his breath has admitted drink-driving. Michael Dutchyn, who crashed his car when he had a breath test reading more than double the legal limit, was given a 20-month driving ban by Ely

AN engineer recently dismissed from work for turning up with alcohol on his breath has admitted drink-driving.

Michael Dutchyn, who crashed his car when he had a breath test reading more than double the legal limit, was given a 20-month driving ban by Ely magistrates on Thursday.

Dutchyn, 54, of Lark Bank, Prickwillow, was also fined £125 and told to pay £400 costs. He committed the offence when behind the wheel of a Land Rover Discovery in Haddenham on October 20 last year.

At an earlier hearing, Dutchyn had denied drink-driving, but changed his plea before his trial was due to start this week.

Solicitor Michael Judkins said Dutchyn had consulted his GP about his drink problem.

"His employer was concerned he might be attending work with alcohol on his breath, so he was dismissed last week," Mr Judkins explained to the court.

Dutchyn had previously denied the drink-driving charge, believing he had not drunk enough to take his breath test reading to 78 mcgs of alcohol, when the legal limit is 35 mcgs.

"He has now reappraised the situation," added Mr Judkins.