I never had chance to deal with my drinking – except after my two previous convictions

A drunk driver who tried to blame his wife for his third offence was spared jail after he claimed he has ‘never had a chance’ to deal with his alcohol problem.

Brazillian Bruno Dos Santos, 38, ‘put the whole public’ at risk when he got behind the wheel of his Peugeot 308 more than twice over limit.

He was stopped after careering down the A40, west London and found to have 87 microgrammes of alcohol per 100 millilitres in his breath. The legal limit is 35.

But the father-of-three denied that it was him at the wheel, insisting that it was his wife who was driving the car, Westminster Magistrates’ Court heard.

Dos Santos was found guilty before magistrates at trial, but he was spared being carted off to prison because he has ‘never dealt’ with his drinking problem.

He was disqualified from driving for two years and a given a 20-week prison sentence suspended for two years.

Dos Santos who has two previous convictions for drink driving sat in the dock with his head bowed throughout the hearing.

Magistrate Nathalie Goldin-Laniado told him: ‘This offence was frightening, you put the whole public at risk.

‘You are fortunate that nobody died and nobody was injured.

‘But you got behind the wheel so drunk on a busy road knowing what the consequences could be.’

She continued: ‘You got behind the wheel knowing that you had young children who depend on you.

‘It was completely irresponsible.

‘Moreover, you tried to say that your wife was driving the car and it was only after trial that you were found guilty so of course you do not credit.

‘Your actions that day were a complete danger to the public.

‘This offence certainly crosses the custody threshold.

‘However, we have heard that you have never been given the opportunity to deal with your drinking problem.

‘We have also heard that you have three young children, all who depend on your care.’

She handed him a 20-week prison sentence suspended for two years.

He was also ordered to undergo a six-month alcohol treatment programme and a 20-day rehabilitation activity requirement.

Dos Santos was also disqualified from driving for two years, ordered to pay costs of £620 and a victim surcharge of £115.

He could have faced a maximum sentence of six months’ imprisonment.

‘Let me be perfectly clear, if you breach any of the requirements you can expect to go to prison,’ added the magistrate.

‘I can say that if this happens again a court will not be sympathetic of your circumstances.

‘This is really your last chance.’

Dos Santos, of Danemead Grove, Northolt, Ealing, denied but was found guilty of driving a motor vehicle when alcohol level above limit.

ends