Banned driver with 'appalling' record caught over alcohol limit

Alan Hogg, aged 45, was not only already disqualified from driving when he was stopped on the B4042 in the famous historic town of Malmesbury on April 10 but was also way over the alcohol limit and had no insurance.

Hogg gave a reading of 90 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath - more than double the legal limit of 35 microgrammes.

For this offence, Hogg was banned from driving for five years, with the ban starting from April 13, the date of an interim disqualification, and must also pay £85 in costs.

Salisbury Law Courts heard on May 29 that Hogg admitted three charges - driving while disqualified, driving with excess alcohol and driving without insurance.

Magistrates described his driving record as 'appalling', adding that Hogg had shown a 'flagrant disregard for court orders, people, and their property' by breaching his driving ban, meaning a custodial sentence was the only option.

The court register stated: "He (Hogg) has failed to take numerous opportunities previously to serve his sentences in the community.

"Those who behave in this way MUST expect to receive a custodial sentence albeit recent legislation determines it be adjourned .

"This sentence is to punish the individual and to send a message of general deterrent effect."

For the offence of driving while disqualified, Hogg, of Potters Pond, Wotton-under-Edge, was handed a four-month prison sentence suspended for two years and must also pay a £154 surcharge.

This means he will not be jailed unless he reoffends within the set timeframe.

As part of his sentence, Hogg must comply with an alcohol abstinence and monitoring requirement for 120 days lasting until September 26.

Repeat offender Alan Hogg, who was said to have an 'appalling' driving record, was handed a suspended prison term and a lengthy ban (Image: NQ)

He must also complete up to 25 days of rehabilitation activities, as directed by a responsible officer.

No separate penalty was issued for the offence of driving without insurance.

The court took his guilty plea into account in sentencing.