Man caught drink-driving when his fiancee told police (From Basingstoke Gazette)

Man caught drink-driving when his fiancee told police

8:00pm Friday 26th October 2012 in Local By Chris Gregory

A DRIVER was caught over the drink-drive limit by the police after they received a call from his concerned fiancée.

Basingstoke Magistrates’ Court heard that on September 19 this year, 32-year-old Krzysztof Zalewicz had an argument with his fiancée while celebrating his birthday, and left his house and drove off.

Fiona McMurray, prosecuting, said: “It seems the defendant’s fiancée was in touch with the police, concerned that he had left the house in drink and had driven away.

“The police conducted a search for the vehicle and it was seen by police driving in Long Copse Chase, pulling up to park.”

Zalewicz was arrested after a positive roadside breath test, and another test carried out the station scored 68 micrograms in 100 millilitres of breath, nearly double the legal limit.

Zalewicz, of Long Copse Chase, Chineham, pleaded guilty to driving a motor vehicle with alcohol level above the drink-drive limit.

Defending himself, he said he drove “around the block” for 15 minutes following a “small argument” with his partner.

He added: “I’m really ashamed that I did it. I never respect people who are driving while under the influence of alcohol because you can damage property and human life.

“It was not the fault of my partner to call the police, it was me. I took the car keys and I drove away.”

Presiding magistrate Susannah Rice disqualified Zalewicz from driving for 18 months. He was also fined £350, with a £15 victim surcharge and £85 court costs.