75-Year-Old Drink Driver Banned Until Age 90

A 75-year-old man who was caught drink driving has been banned from the roads until 2041, when he will be 90 years old. Michael Harper appeared at Southampton Magistrates' Court after being found driving his Nissan Juke over the alcohol limit and without insurance.

Harper pleaded guilty to driving whilst disqualified, driving whilst over the alcohol limit, and driving without insurance. The court heard that he had shown a "flagrant disregard for court orders" and a "flagrant disregard for people and their property."

He was given a four-month prison sentence, suspended for 12 months, for the incident, which occurred in Ringwood, Hampshire, on April 10. The sentence was suspended due to Harper's age, significant health issues, his role as the sole carer for his wife, and the assessment that probation services could still engage with him.

As part of the sentence, Harper was ordered to complete nine months of alcohol treatment and up to nine rehabilitation activity days. For the drink-driving offense, he received a disqualification from driving for 14 years and six months. An identical disqualification period was imposed for the offense of driving while disqualified. No separate penalty was issued for the insurance offense.

This is not the first time Harper has faced driving charges. Last year, he was banned from driving for 10 years after being caught driving under the influence of alcohol, just under twice the legal limit. At that time, he received an 18-month community order for alcohol treatment and rehabilitation activities, along with a £500 fine.

In 2017, Harper was found guilty of driving while under the influence of alcohol and was disqualified from driving for 17 months, also receiving a £120 fine.