Driver with “shocking” amount of alcohol in his system sentenced after crashing into neighbour’s house near Chesterfield

Lewis Bassett was so drunk that he provided a reading that was more than three times the legal limit when he was tested two hours after the collision.

Police were called just before 1.30am on September 21 by a woman who said her neighbour had just driven into her house - damaging the brickwork and a potted tree - before driving off and parking elsewhere.

She told officers the driver was called Lewis Bassett and that he had returned to the scene five minutes later and apologised to her.

Police arrived within minutes and found Bassett’s car parked up in a nearby pub car park. Brick dust could be seen on the bumper and the engine of the car was still warm.

The officers then went to the registered keeper’s address, where he refused to answer the door, so entry was forced. Bassett was then found upstairs in the property and arrested.

He was taken to custody where he provided a reading of 121 - which is more than three times the legal limit of 35.

The 32-year-old, of Cowlishall Drive, Old Tupton, has now been handed a 14-week prison sentence - suspended for 12 months - after admitting drink driving.

He has also been banned from driving for 30 months and was ordered to pay £85 costs and a £154 victim surcharge.

PC Josh Field, who led the investigation, said: “Bassett clearly knew he was not fit to drive and made very poor attempts to try and cover his tracks.

“His efforts were all clearly in vain though as he was arrested very shortly afterwards and swiftly transported to custody.

“The level of alcohol in his system when he was tested at the police station was absolutely shocking and completely unacceptable.

“Anyone who gets behind the wheel while unfit through alcohol or drugs is putting not just themselves at risk, but other road users too.

“The message is simple – do not drive after taking alcohol or drugs or you’ll end up in handcuffs and before the courts.”