Banned driver foiled when police spot beer on dashboard

Police spotted the alcohol on display in the Audi A6 of Nikolajs Zenovjevs as the 27-year-old drove eastbound on the A27 near Fontwell at 7.55am on December 3.

When the officers stopped the car, Zenovjevs failed a breath test. When they checked his details, they discovered he had previously been banned for drink-driving in 2009 and did not have a valid driving licence.

Zenovjevs, of Linden Road, pleaded guilty to drink-driving and failing to surrender to bail when he appeared at Worthing Magistrates’ Court on January 27. He was banned from driving for 36 months and ordered to pay a £310 fine, £85 costs and a £23 victim surcharge.

Chief Inspector Phil Nicholas, of Surrey and Sussex roads policing unit, said: “Despite not having a licence, Zenovjevs brazenly had alcohol on show in his car even though he knew he had been drinking. Thankfully, the officers on patrol spotted the can of lager and were able to stop him before he could hurt anyone.

“Selfish motorists like Zenovjevs seem to think they are above the law and put themselves and other road users in danger.”

If you fear someone is drink-driving, call 999.