A 27-year-old man from Totton has been disqualified from driving for 15 months after pleading guilty to driving with an alcohol level above the limit.

Phelim O’Hara, of Wetherby Court, was sentenced at Southampton Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (12 November).

At the hearing, O’Hara was also fined £600, was handed a £240 victim surcharge and has been ordered to pay £85 in costs.

The sentencing follows a collision between O’Hara’s vehicle and a cow on Roger Penny Way, near Telegraph Hill, shortly before 9pm on Monday 16 September.

Investigating the incident, Police Staff Investigator Annabel Gibbons, said: “I am pleased with this outcome at court and to see that O’Hara has been punished and held accountable for his actions that night.

“This ban of 15 months will give him plenty of time to consider what he did that evening and ensure the same doesn’t happen again.

“I would like to acknowledge that O’Hara was quick to admit what he had done and expresses that he was very sorry for what happened.

“He admitted that he had drunk alcohol during the evening, but stated that he felt he was ‘okay to drive’ when he drove his vehicle later the same evening.

“Clearly this was not the case, and a New Forest animal was sadly made to suffer as a result of his poor judgement that night.

“This case should serve as a stark warning and reminder to all who drink alcohol and then choose to drive.

“Alcohol can take a considerable amount of time to leave your system, so make the right decision and do not drive unless you are absolutely certain you are fit to do so.

“Feeling ‘okay’ to drive will not be an acceptable defence in a court of law, as has again been proven here.”

You can read more about drink and drug driving by following the below link;

Alcohol and drug driving | Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary