A DRINK-driver caught near Wellington has been banned from driving for more than five years after a court heard he had an open bottle of port in the centre console of his four wheel drive vehicle.

Trevor Nex, aged 43, was arrested at Hellings Cross, Bathealton, on November 29 last year after police received a tip that a vehicle was suspected to have been driven by a person under the influence of alcohol.

When officers arrived at the scene, they noticed a 4x4 vehicle park up and saw Nex get out of the driver seat and begin to walk off.

Officers caught up with Nex, who was on a mobile phone while smoking a cigarette, and he was asked to return to the vehicle, which he said was not his.

The officer told Nex he saw him in the driving seat and said: “We have had reports that this vehicle has been drink driving.

“You have just got out of the vehicle, there is a bottle in there, and I can smell alcohol on you, so at this time I am detaining you.”

Officers walked Nex back to his vehicle, took the keys, and arrested him.

Nex admitted at the scene he did not have a driving licence due to a previous ban, and when asked how much he had to drink he replied: “Oh, I have had a couple of ports.”

Nex, of Baytree Farm, Watchfield, Highbridge, pleaded guilty to driving a motor vehicle while above the alcohol limit, driving while disqualified, and using a vehicle on a road without third party insurance at a hearing in Taunton Magistrates’ Court last October 22.

He was given an interim driving disqualification ahead of being sentenced.

Nex appeared again before the magistrates for sentencing on Wednesday, January, 28.

The magistrates imposed a 63-month driving disqualification and ordered Nex to complete 100 hours of unpaid work, a rehabilitation activity requirement, and to pay £85 in costs and a £114 victim surcharge.

Insp Matt Boiles, of Avon and Somerset Constabulary’s roads policing team, said after the case: “This is an appalling case involving a man who was driving a large 4X4 under the influence of alcohol with an open bottle of port inside the cab of his vehicle, while he was disqualified.

“Whether you are in a rural area or a city centre, drink driving can never be justified, and this sentence means Nex can no longer put himself or others at risk of serious injury, or worse, through his utterly selfish actions.

“We are committed to tackling drink drivers all-year-round, so if you know somebody who regularly drinks or takes drugs and drives, please do not stay silent.

“Your report could stop a dangerous driver before they hurt or kill somebody.”

Insp Boiles said if somebody was currently driving under the influence of drink or drugs, people should call 999.

To anonymously report a suspected drink or drugs driver, an online form could be completed, or people could visit a police station in person.