Drink driver, 31, from Badwell Ash, Bury St Edmunds, loses licence after ‘near-miss’ with off-duty officer on the A1M in Peterborough

A drink driver has lost his licence after he was caught by an off-duty police officer.

The officer was on his way to start a night shift on December 23 when he had a ‘near miss’ with a white Audi A1 on the A1M at Peterborough, Cambridge Magistrates’ Court heard.

Suspecting the driver was under the influence, the officer followed the vehicle while calling for support from on-duty colleagues.

The driver, Ionut Chitu, 31, of Back Lane, Badwell Ash, Bury St Edmunds, was pulled over a short while later on the A14 at Milton.

There, he provided a positive roadside breath test of 82 microgrammes, more than twice the legal limit. In custody, he later provided a second sample of 70, against the legal limit of 35.

At Cambridge Magistrates’ Court, on January 3, Chitu pleaded guilty to drink driving and was banned from driving for 18 months.

He was also fined £500.

Investigating officer, PC Ella Coulson, said: “Thanks to one of our off-duty police officers, this man was stopped from putting any more lives at risk with his drink driving and now has 18 months to consider his actions.

“Members of the public can also contact us if they suspect a drink or drug driver, through our 24/7 hotline on 0800 032 0845.”