Thatcham man loses his job after going for drink with boss

Employee also receives a driving ban

A drink with a client’s boss after work led to a driving ban for one Thatcham man.

And, perhaps ironically, Gavin Richard Hicks also ended up losing his job as a result.

Helen Waite, prosecuting, told Newbury magistrates on Thursday, September 24, that the 43-year-old, of Longcroft Road, was stopped soon after he was spotted leaving a pub car park.

She added: “Officers spoke to him and smelled alcohol on his breath.”

Tests subsequently showed 53mcg of alcohol per 100ml of breath in his system.

The legal limit is 35mcg.

Mr Hicks admitted driving a Ford Transit van in Agricola Way, Thatcham, after drinking more than the legal limit on September 9.

He has previous convictions, the court heard.

Simon Hammudi, defending, said it had been a long day and his client’s boss had suggested stopping off for a drink.

He added: “He didn’t like to say no to his boss and he only lived five minutes away, so he agreed. He has now lost his job as a driver for the construction industry as a result of his arrest.”

Mr Hammudi said his client, a father of one who is currently paying off a £500 fine and is subject to a community order for prior offending, was “extremely sorry about what happened”.

Mr Hicks was banned from driving for 12 months.

In addition he was fined £120 and ordered to pay a £150 criminal courts charge, £40 costs plus a £20 victim surcharge.