Paul Smith, 49, of West View, Sacriston, appeared at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court on Monday, May 19, 2025, where he pleaded guilty to drink driving.
The court heard that at about 4am on April 8 this year, Smith was stopped by police while driving a Vauxhall Corsa on Front Street in Witton Gilbert.
A roadside breath test revealed a reading of 97 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath — the legal limit is 35.
Magistrates imposed a 25-month driving disqualification, which could be reduced by 25 weeks if Smith completes a drink-driving rehabilitation course by October 25, 2026.
He was also fined £200 and ordered to pay £85 in prosecution costs.
The court took his early guilty plea into account when determining the sentence.
Smith will have to reapply for his licence once the disqualification period ends and complete the required course if he wishes to reduce his ban.
