In an ironic turn of events the man who helped design breathalysers has been banned for drink driving, he pleaded guilty to the offence and said: ‘I misjudged how much I’d drunk’
A scientist who helped to design breathalysers has been banned – after failing a breath test. Dr Richard Lacey mounted a roundabout in his car after drinking glasses of wine and beer with his lunch.
The retired scientist became the latest caught for driving under the influence after police were called to a collision on the A479 near Talgarth. A court heard his wheel was damaged leaving his Peugeot 208 Gt Puretech immobile – and he was breathalysed by police.
Lacey, 70, now retired from his tech company, Tilekiln Tech Consultants Ltd, told the court: “I designed breathalysers and used to work with the police.
“I had a couple of glasses of wine with lunch and a few pints of beer.” Lacey’s breath was measured at 41 micrograms – exceeding the legal limit of 35 micrograms He pleaded guilty to a single charge of drink driving.
The prosecutor noted that Lacey had no prior convictions.
Lacey, who represented himself, said: “I’ve really got nothing to say. I misjudged how much I’d drunk.”
Llandrindod Wells Magistrates’ Court heard that Lacey was described as “wobbly” when police arrived at the scene on the A479 near Talgarth, Powys last month.
The prosecutor said: “The vehicle was damaged and the right wheel twisted, which had rendered the vehicle immobile”
“Defendant said he had drunk a couple of pints and a bottle of wine. He failed the roadside breath test and was arrested.”
Breathalysers were developed in the 1970s and detect whether motorists have consumed over the legal amount of alcohol to drive. The device was developed by Lion Laboratories in Barry, South Wales, and has led to the conviction of tens of thousands of drunk drivers.
Lacey, from Kington, Herefords, was disqualified from driving for 13 months, fined £600 and told to pay a £240 surcharge and £85 costs. Lacey can reduce his ban by 13 weeks by completing a drink drivers awareness course.
For the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletters.