A HEALTH service finance manager has been banned from driving after he was stopped by police in the run-up to Christmas.

Mark Ellwood was in his Jeep at Northgate in Chichester when he was stopped and officers could smell alcohol on his breath.

The 48-year-old said he relies on his car to visit hospitals in West and East Sussex.

But he could have put someone else in hospital by drink-driving.

He was stopped at 8.50pm on December 22 and was among hundreds of motorists to appear before the courts after being stopped as part of a police winter crackdown over the festive period.

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At Worthing Magistrates’ Court he admitted drink-driving, and the court was told he is a man of previous good character, with no criminal convictions.

Gaynor Byng, prosecuting, said: “He was driving in the Northgate area when officers on duty noticed the vehicle did not have its lights on. So he was stopped and Mr Ellwood identified himself as the driver. Police could smell alcohol on his breath, and arrested him after a roadside test.”

In court Ellwood represented himself. He said: “I’m deeply sorry. I have had my driving licence for 30 years and have never been in trouble with the police. I have no convictions.

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“I would like to say that my job as a finance manager takes me around East and West Sussex. I drive to all the main hospitals, so a long-term ban would be detrimental to my job.”

Ellwood's arrest followed a police crackdown over the festive period, where the number of arrests went up compared with the year before.

Chief Inspector Andy Gooch from the Roads Policing Unit said: “It is bitterly disappointing to see so many people arrested on suspicion of drink or drug-driving in such a short period of time.

“Of course we want people to have fun and enjoy the festivities, but don’t let that be at the expense of risking your life – and others’ – on our roads.

“The risks of such actions are well documented, yet despite our repeated warnings, there will always be a minority of people who make the conscious decision to get behind the wheel having consumed alcohol or drugs.”

Magistrate Victoria Willetts told Ellwood he would face the minimum one-year ban from driving. She also ordered him to pay a £400 fine along with £85 court costs and a £40 victim surcharge.

Ellwood, of Cavendish Street, Chichester, said he would take a driver rehabilitation course in Chichester that would cut three months off the disqualification period.

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