Man banned from road for drink driving offence in Porton

Public raised concerns after vehicle found in layby surrounded by beer cans

Author: Henrietta CreaseyPublished 12th May 2021

A 54 year old man has pleaded guilty to attempting to drive a vehicle over the alcohol limit

Paul O' Hara from Juniper Road Firsdown was disqualified for 12 months and fined £120, as well as being ordered to pay costs and a victim surcharge at Salisbury Magistrates’ Court on Friday (7th May).

On 23 January officers located O’Hara in a vehicle in a layby on Winterslow Road, Porton, surrounded by beer cans following information from the local public.

O’Hara was arrested and taken to Melksham Police Station where he provided a positive sample almost two times the legal limit.

O’Hara will have the disqualification reduced to 13 weeks if he attends a driving course by December.

PC Juliet Cox of the Salisbury Community Policing Team said:

"Those in the local community and surrounding villages will be aware of this case and I am pleased that we have be able to deliver a positive result."

"Due to reports of a large number of beer cans being left in the local area, we carried out extra patrols.

"As a result of these patrols and the help of the local community, O’Hara was arrested."

"I hope this sentence will not only give O’Hara a chance to reflect on his actions and change but also highlight how police work, supported by the local community, can make a real impact.

"I would like to thank everyone that helped and supported this small operation, especially PCSO Pippa Brewer for being so determined in her investigation and organising an excellent job and outcome."

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