A man from Peterborough has been disqualified from driving for 20 months.

Duncan Terras (48) of Willesden Avenue, Walton pleaded guilty to driving a motor vehicle while above the legal alcohol limit at Peterborough Magistrates’ Court on Friday (March 13).

Police officers were called to Willesden Avenue at just after 9am on Saturday, February 21 after Terras’s had collided with a parked vehicle - an Audi Q3 - in his Volkswagen Passat.

Officers arrived to find Terras stood on the pavement with an open can of cider in his hand. After 20 minutes, a roadside breath test was administered and came back positive with a result of 87 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath (the legal limit is 35).

placeholder image — He was banned for 20 months

During police interview, Terras fully admitted the charge and was unable to tell officers how much he had drunk.

He explained that he had been drinking with friends the night before and had stayed over. In the morning, he believed that he was drinking Coca-Cola but later found out it was mixed with vodka.

The court heard that Terras was going through a difficult time when the offence was committed, with family health problems, relationship and work issues.

Defending, Claire Thornley told the court: “When I spoke to him, he said it is out of character for him and it was entirely due to the last few months, which have been very difficult for him. He admitted that it was very poor decision making on his part.

“Since the incident, he has referred himself to his GP for help and support. This is a gentleman who is normally a very responsible member of the community.”

Terras was fined £738, plus ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £295 and costs of £85. He was disqualified from driving for 20 months.