Drink-driver crashed on A1198 in Cambridgeshire and lost a wheel

A drink-driver who crashed into a roundabout on the A1198, causing one of his wheels to fall off, has been sentenced.

Louis Stow, 24, of Pembroke Close, Hartford, went out drinking on 18 November and decided to drive home in the early hours of the following morning.

The car driven by Louis Stow, 24, of Pembroke Close, Hartford. Picture: Cambridgeshire police

A member of the public called police after finding his white Volkswagen Scirocco on the A1198 near Papworth Everard at 5.20am with the driver’s side wheel ripped off and Stow lying next to it.

Stow blew 95 microgrammes per 100 millilitres of breath at the roadside, more than twice the legal limit of 35. He was taken to hospital to be checked over where he provided a reading of 199mg of alcohol per 100ml of urine, exceeding the legal limit of 108mg.

At Cambridge Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, 9 May, Stow pleaded guilty to drink-driving and was disqualified for 20 months. He must also pay a £700 fine.

PC Wadsworth, from the road policing unit, said: “Driving under the influence of drink or drugs is extremely dangerous and can affect your driving including your ability to judge speed and distance and reaction and coordination skills.

“The actions of Stow that evening were highly irresponsible. He put himself and other road users in danger and its pure luck that he didn’t suffer any serious injuries.”

Cambridgeshire Constabulary operates a confidential 24/7 hotline for drink and drug drivers on 0800 032 0845.