A DRIVER caught by cops who noticed a “strong smell of alcohol” coming from his car has been banned from the roads.

Lee Kirkwood, of Greenway Lane, appeared at Swindon Magistrates' Court on January 25 where he pleaded guilty to drink driving.

The 37-year-old has been given a 12-month ban and was fined £550. Kirkwood will also have to pay a victim surcharge of £220 and a Crown Prosecution Service cost of £85.

He had been driving his Ford Focus from New Road onto Marshfield Road in Chippenham with his headlights turned off at around 9.30pm on November 24, 2022, when he was pulled over by the police.

Officers stopped him on Spanbourn Avenue in Chippenham and carried out a roadside breath test after they noticed the stench of booze. Kirkwood was arrested and later charged after he failed the test.

A Wiltshire Police spokesperson said: “Drinking alcohol seriously impacts your ability to safely drive a vehicle and puts your life and the lives of other road users and pedestrians at risk.

“If you suspect somebody of drink driving, please report your concerns to police immediately.”