An Exeter man, living in his car, found drunk behind the wheel after a row with his boss, has been banned from driving for being more than three times over the legal limit.
A 47-year-old man who lives in his car has been disqualified from driving, writes Isabelle Pinnock, OPCC court reporting scheme.
Vladimir Godus, of Burnthouse Lane, Exeter, was found guilty at Exeter Magistrates’ Court of being in charge of a vehicle while unfit through drink.
The court heard that police found him slumped over the driver’s seat of a vehicle in a car park in Kingfisher Way, Exeter.
The keys were in the ignition, the engine was running, the windows were open and the radio was on. An open bottle of whisky was on the passenger seat and officers were unable to wake him until they removed the keys from the vehicle.
A breath test at the police station showed 128 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath, placing the offence in the highest sentencing category. The defendant has a previous conviction for drink-driving dating back to 2017.
The court heard that Godus had argued with his boss earlier that day and had drunk impulsively, describing the incident as “stupid” and unplanned. He acknowledged his actions were wrong but said he did not realise that simply being in charge of a vehicle while intoxicated was an offence.
The defendant lives in his vehicle and works nights packing and delivering newspapers seven days a week. He has held that job for eight years.
Godus’s defence lawyer explained that he is allowed by his employer to park and live in the area at low cost, and that a driving disqualification would jeopardise both his employment and his accommodation.
It was argued that there was no risk to the public as he was using the vehicle as his home, and did not realise that by having a drink where he lives he was committing an offence.
District Judge Boichat sentenced Godus to a 12-month community order with 150 hours of unpaid work.
The defendant was disqualified from driving for eight months and ordered to pay £600 in costs and a £114 surcharge.
