Hilton chef caught drink-driving

'Reckless decision to drive home' after shift

A CHEF at the Hilton Hotel in Newbury has been banned from the roads for drink-driving.

James Nathan Reynolds was stopped in his Ford Focus at 3.30am by police on Two Rivers Way, Newbury, town magistrates heard.

Helen Waite, prosecuting, said officers smelled alcohol on the 23-year-old’s breath and his speech was “somewhat slurred.”

Tests subsequently showed 61mcg of alcohol per 100ml of breath in his system.

The legal limit is 35mcg.

Mr Reynolds admitted driving after drinking more than the legal limit on October 25.

He has no previous convictions and Alun Morgan, defending, said: “He had had quite a long shift and consumed a number of drinks after work before taking the rather reckless decision to drive home.

“He has been a chef at the Hilton for six years and works odd shifts. It will be very difficult for him to get to work now, although he recognises he is the architect of his own misfortune.”

Magistrates banned Mr Reynolds, who lives at Hazeldene in Chieveley, from driving for 14 months.

In addition they fined him £250 and ordered him to pay a £150 criminal courts charge plus a £35 victim surcharge and £85 costs.