A 27-YEAR-old has been hit with a lengthy driving ban from magistrates after again being caught drink driving.
Mateusz Muzyka, of West Street, Evesham, admitted his latest offence of driving when his alcohol level was above the limit when he appeared at Worcester Magistrates Court.
Mark Hambling, prosecuting, said at 12.50am on Christmas Day last year police received a call that Muzyka had been drink drinking.
"The vehicle travelled past officers, they followed it," the prosecutor said.
"It was travelling towards Evesham."
The vehicle, a Peugeot 26, was then stopped in Pershore Road, Evesham, and Muzyka was asked to take a breathalyser test - which he failed.
After being taken to Worcester Police Station Muzyka gave an evidential specimen of 78mcg of alcohol in 100ml of breath - above the legal limit of 35mcg.
Mr Hambling said an aggravating feature of the case was that Muzyka had a previous conviction having been caught drink driving in October 2020, when he received a 17-month ban.
Muzyka, defending himself, was then asked if there was anything he wanted to say.
Speaking through a Polish interpreter Muzyka said he was "really, really sorry".
He explained he had fallen out with a friend, who was set to give him a lift home, after an argument and was left "standing in the street".
Muzyka said as it was the early hours of Christmas Day morning there were no taxis or public transport.
"I made a bad decision (to drive)," Muzyka said.
"It was a stupid decision."
Sandie Morgan, chairman of the magistrates bench, told Muzyka they were banning him from driving for 36 months.
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Muzyka was warned: "If you drive whilst disqualified you will be committing a serious offence and maybe sent to custody."
Muzyka was offered the drink-drive awareness court which, if he successfully completes, will reduce the ban length by 36 weeks.
He was fined £400, and ordered to pay costs of £135 and victim surcharge of £160.
Muzyka's offer to pay the total, £695, at a rate of £100 per month was accepted by magistrates.
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