On Sunday, August 17, a 38-year-old man from Walthamstow was disqualified from driving for over two years and handed a suspended prison sentence following a serious drink-driving incident in Chippenham. Mihai Bacar was spotted driving erratically at around 7:20 pm, prompting a member of the public to alert Wiltshire Police.
Witnesses reported seeing Bacar’s blue Mercedes swerving dangerously across lanes and speeding. The vehicle later pulled into the Halfords car park on Foundry Lane, where it was parked haphazardly across two bays. Bacar then stumbled out of the car and walked unsteadily towards Tesco, indicating possible intoxication.
Upon police arrival, Bacar refused to provide a breath test and was subsequently arrested on suspicion of failing to provide a breath specimen. Further investigation revealed he was driving without a licence and insurance. Bacar appeared at Salisbury Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, August 19, where he pleaded guilty to all charges.
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The court sentenced Bacar to eight weeks in jail, suspended for 18 months, disqualified him from driving for 29 months, and fined him £154.
Neighbourhood Inspector Pete Foster praised the public’s vigilance, emphasizing the dangers of drink driving. “The swift action of the member of the public who reported Bacar’s behaviour likely saved lives," Foster stated. “Driving under the influence impairs reaction times and judgement, putting everyone on the road at risk. It is one of the fatal five offences, and we are committed to making it clear there is no excuse for it.”