A MOTORIST caught drink-driving in Wellington has been banned for two-and-a-half years and ordered to carry out 100 hours of community service.

Martin McIntyre, aged 33, of Sunnyside, Burlescombe, was arrested after a two vehicle crash in Mantle Street on Sunday, February 19.

He was found to be driving over the legal alcohol limit when police attended the scene at about 9 pm.

When he appeared before Taunton Deane magistrates earlier this month he was disqualified from driving and given a community service order.

At the time of McIntyre’s arrest officers from Avon and Somerset Police were out with colleagues from Devon and Cornwall Police targeting drink and drug driving in rural communities as part of Operation Landlike.

The operation was a joint initiative between the two forces and Crimestoppers to address community concerns around drink and drug driving, as well as rural crimes, along the border between the two forces and also on Exmoor.

The officer in the case, PC Mark Seward, said: “It is a priority of Operation Landlike to reduce the number of people who recklessly decide to get behind the wheel of a vehicle despite being under the influence.

“Driving under the influence severely impairs a person’s reactions, understanding of road laws, and ability to drive with due care and attention.

“Because of McIntyre's actions, he is now off the road for more than two years.”

Police said who anybody who saw somebody driving who was suspected of being under the influence should call 999.

Or, if it was not an emergency or ongoing, they should call 101 or report it via the police website.

Report’s could also be made through the independent charity Crimestoppers completely anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via its anonymous online form.

Rewards were available for callers who provided information leading to the arrest and charge of an offender.