Drink driver swerved across the lanes in Mansfield

Piotr Nowak's Vauxhall Corsa was seen swerving across the lanes on St Peter's Way, at 12.30am, on February 7, said prosecutor Becky Allsop.

A test revealed he had 100 mcgs of alcohol in 100 mls of breath when 35 mcgs is the legal limit.

The court heard he has a previous drink driving conviction which is outside the ten year limit and only has an expired provisional licence.

Nowak, a fork-lift truck driver who represented himself, apologised to the court and said he would use public transport in future.

Probation officer Raqia Bano said he drank six or seven beers in the pub with a friend, who wanted to drive home, but Nowak took the keys from him and drove instead.

"He accepts he placed himself, his friend, other road users and pedestrians at risk of serious harm,” she said.

"He hasn’t offended for 12 years and shows genuine remorse and regret. He tells me he won’t repeat this type of mistake.”

Nowak, 42, of Armstrong Road, Mansfield, admitted drink driving and without a licence or insurance, when he appeared at Mansfield Magistrates Court, on Thursday.

Magistrates ordered him to carry out 120 hours of unpaid work in the community as part of a 12 month community order.

He was ordered to pay a £95 victim surcharge and £85 costs.

He was banned for 25 months. He was offered a rehabilitation course which will reduce the disqualification by 190 days if completed by August 2022.

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