Drink Driver With Dog in Car Caught Four Times Over Limit on M5

A 69-year-old man, Bryan Househam, was arrested after driving while four times over the legal alcohol limit on the M5 motorway, with dashcam footage showing his vehicle swerving dangerously between lanes. Househam was eventually found by police at Michaelwood Services shortly before 3 p.m. on Sunday, September 13.

A concerned motorist reported Househam's erratic driving to Avon and Somerset Police after observing his Toyota RAV4 weaving between the hard shoulder and lane two of the M5 between junctions 13 and 14. Officers located Househam's vehicle at the service station, where a golden retriever was present in the back seat.

Househam registered a roadside breath test reading of 142 micrograms of alcohol per 100 milliliters of breath, significantly exceeding the legal limit of 35 micrograms. "You've blown 142, sir. You've failed the roadside breath test," an officer is heard saying in the footage.

Following his arrest on suspicion of driving under the influence, Househam provided a second breath test while in custody, which showed 100 micrograms of alcohol. His dog was collected by a family member.

Househam was later charged and appeared in court on Wednesday, October 8. He received a disqualification from driving for 23 months and was ordered to pay a fine of £2,885.

PC Jack Keane of Avon and Somerset Police emphasized the importance of public vigilance, stating, "This case highlights the importance of members of the public reporting concerns about the standard of someone's driving. The information provided enabled officers to quickly locate the vehicle and take positive action. Driving under the influence of alcohol puts not only the driver at risk, but also other road users and passengers."