A LATVIAN lorry driver has been banned from driving after being stopped by police in Wokingham.
The incident occurred on Saturday, June 2 in Oaklands Park, off Fishponds Road.
Thames Valley Police said that they were called around 1pm to investigate by a member of the public.
When they arrived, they stopped 49-year-old Jurijs Bondars – he was in the UK temporarily to deliver and pick up goods.
Bondars was arrested on suspicion of driving an HGV while above the alcohol limit.
While in custody, he refused to give a breath sample and later that evening threw a sick bowl at a detention officer at Loddon Valley custody suite.
He was charged the next day and he pleaded guilty to failing to provide a specimen of breath at custody and assaulting an accredited person in the execution of their duty at Reading Magistrates’ Court on Monday, June 4.
As a result, Bondars was been given a three-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, and has been disqualified from driving for two years.
Investigating officer PC Jamie Payne, of the Joint Operations Unit for Roads Policing, said: “Bondars was highly intoxicated and made the decision to drive his 40 tonne heavy goods vehicle.
“Thankfully a vigilant member of the public saw this and called us.
“We were able to stop him before anyone was seriously hurt or worse.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank the member of the public who called.
“On Monday, June 4, Thames Valley Police, in a joint operation with Hampshire Constabulary, began a summer crackdown on drink and drug drivers.
“If you believe someone is driving whilst impaired, please act immediately. Phone us direct on 101, or text 80999 with all the details of the vehicle, driver, location and times. Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers confidentially on 0800 555 111.”
For more information about Thames Valley Police’s ‘It’s not worth the risk’ campaign, click here.
