Walpole St Peter man Robin Olejnik in King’s Lynn court after drink-driving

A 66-year-old was “shocked” at being over the limit after getting behind the wheel following a number of pints at the pub.

Police officers were driving behind Robin Olejnik on Mill Road in Walpole Highway when they noticed he was travelling at 50mph in a 30mph zone.

When they pulled him over, they immediately noted a smell of alcohol – and Olejnik admitted having drank some.

He returned a positive roadside breath test and was subsequently arrested.

While in custody, Olejnik delivered an evidential reading of 44mcg of alcohol per 100ml of breath. The legal limit to drive is 35mcg.

Olejnik, of Holt Court in Walpole St Peter, appeared at King’s Lynn Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, where he pleaded guilty to drink-driving.

Mitigating, solicitor Charlotte Winchester said that on January 12, the day of his offence, Olejnik had arranged to meet with a builder to discuss work being done to his house.

They congregated at a pub, where the defendant proceeded to three-and-a-half pints of real ale. He “thought that would be okay”.

Ms Winchester said Olejnik disputes having driven at speed, but was co-operative with the police anyway.

“He was extremely shocked when he was found to be over the limit,” she said.

The solicitor added that Olejnik, a retired carpenter, has been involved in a series of car crashes over the years, leaving him “in pain”.

Magistrates disqualified Olejnik from driving for 12 months, although they offered him a drink-driving rehabilitation course which, if completed by September 22, will reduce that term.

He was also fined £120, and will pay £50 in court costs and a £48 victim surcharge.