Wisbech man who was caught drink-driving in Walpole Highway crashed into police van and clipped officer

A drink-driver clipped a police officer with his car and reversed into their vehicle.

Shaun Goldsmith, 36, of Cox Close, Wisbech, appeared at King's Lynn's Magistrates' Court on Thursday where he admitted the offence of driving a vehicle above the alcohol limit.

Prosecutor Serena Berry told the court that on Sunday, January 22, police were attending a separate incident outside of Skaters roller rink at Walpole Highway at around 11.40pm.

Officers spotted the Renault Megane that Goldsmith was driving reversing backwards at a high speed.

The vehicle then clipped the officer's knee and the vehicle stopped for a short amount of time, but started driving off again and hit the police van.

Goldsmith was arrested and officers reported that he was conpliant throughout the process.

A breathalyser test was carried out at the scene with a reading of 56mcg of alcohol per 100ml of breath, the legal limit is 35mcg.

Appearing unrepresented in court, he said: "I agree with what they said, I've got nothing to add.

"It's not an excuse, but I have been suffering with my mental health but I don't think it will affect my punishment."

Magistrates disqualified Goldsmith from driving for 15 months and he was offered a drink-drive awareness course to reduce the length of the ban.

He was also handed a fine of £360 with an added victim surcharge fee of £144 and court costs of £105.