Downham Market man caught drink-driving in Outwell had a ‘couple of pints’ at pub

A drink-driver who was caught speeding has subsequently lost his business after committing the offence.

Steven Rowe, 58, pleaded guilty to both the offences of drink-driving and going above the speed limit in a 30mph zone at Lynn’s Magistrates’ Court on Thursday.

The court was told that on the evening of Sunday, May 14, Rowe was seen driving his transit van on the A1101 Isle Road in Outwell travelling at 40mph on a 30mph road.

Prosecutor Paul Brown said that police pulled Rowe over and conducted a breathalyser test which came back with a reading of 73mg per 100ml of breath. The legal limit to drive is 35mcg.

In a police interview, Rowe, of Broomhill in Downham Market, told officers he had a pint at the pub.

In mitigation, Alison Muir said: “He was working all day. He works in property maintenance and he had a couple of pints and he didn’t think he would be affected.

“His business is gone and he cannot work without a driving licence. He is actively looking for work to help his family.”

Ms Muir added: “He hasn’t troubled the courts before and would like to take a drink-drive rehabilitation course.”

Magistrates handed Rowe an 18-month driving ban and fined him £120.

He was also ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £48 and court costs of £50.