Northolt drunk driver who was more than twice legal limit and claimed his wife was at the wheel spared jail

A father-of-three who sped down the A40 more than two times over the legal limit has been spared jail after blaming his wife for the offence.

Bruno Dos Santos, of Danemead Grove, Northolt , “put the whole public” at risk when getting behind the wheel of his Peugeot 308 on July 2.

The 38-year-old Brazilian was stopped careering down the A40 with 87 microgrammes of alcohol in his breath, despite the legal limit being 35.

However, when appearing at Westminster Magistrates' Court , Dos Santos denied that it was him at the wheel and insisted his wife was to blame.

Dos Santos, who has two previous convictions for drink-driving, was found guilty before magistrates at trial but was spared jail because he had “never dealt” with his drinking problem.

The father-of-three was disqualified from driving for two years and given a 20-week prison sentence suspended for two years.

'You put the whole public at risk'

Magistrate Nathalie Goldin-Laniado reminded Dos Santos of his young children at the trial, while the defendant sat with his head bowed.

“This offence was frightening,” she said. “You put the whole public at risk.

“You got behind the wheel knowing that you had young children who depend on you.

“Moreover, you tried to say that your wife was driving the car.”

The magistrate added: “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.”

On top of the 20-week suspended sentence, he was ordered to undergo a six-month alcohol treatment programme and a 20-day rehabilitation activity requirement.

He must pay costs of £620 and a victim surcharge of £115.

'This is your last chance'

The magistrate added: “If you breach any of the requirements you can expect to go to prison.

“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 denied but was found guilty of driving a motor vehicle when alcohol level above limit.

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