Not So Smart: Architect's Drink-Drive Shame

Off Ballance: Arriving At Court 

An architect, who downed three afternoon glasses of red wine, was caught drink-driving after an incident with a pedestrian.

Robin Charles Ballance, 58, was arrested when police saw him arguing with the other person by his silver Smart car.

The respected project manager, of Parkstead Road, Putney pleaded guilty to driving in a local Wandsworth borough street with excess alcohol in his breath on April 21.

He gave a reading of 61 microgrammes. The legal limit is 35.

Wimbledon Magistrates Court heard yesterday that there was an incident involving Ballance's vehicle and a pedestrian, who was told there was no need to call the police despite a suggestion of some minor injuries.

The prosecutor told the court: “This defendant was clearly drunk and smelling of alcohol, slurring his words and tripping over the pavement.

“He admitted he had alcoholic drinks in the afternoon, three glasses of red wine.”

Ballance told the court: “It was an isolated, foolish incident. At the time I got in the car I believed I was not over the limit and had sufficient time since my last drink.

“I am deeply embarrassed and ashamed,” added Ballance, who earns £5,000 per week renting out properties.

He was fined £692, with £85 costs and was disqualified from driving for 17 months.