30-07-2025
Drink driver drove wrong way down street, court hears
A MAN from Taunton has been banned from driving after a drink driving incident in Taunton earlier this month.
Frank Chizengeya, 31, of Honiton Road in Trull, appeared at Taunton Magistrates' Court on Monday, July 28.
The court heard that Chizengeya was driving on East Reach in Taunton when he drove the wrong way down a one-way street on July 6 2025. When he was stopped by the police, a roadside breath test showed he had been drinking.
Prosecutor in the case, Emma Lenanton, said there was 80 micrograms of alcohol in 100ml of breath. She also said that Chizengeya has credit for an early guilty plea and he was of previous good character.
In defence, the court heard that Chizengeya had a few drinks at home after a shift at work and had a call from a friend who needed some help.
The court was told that Chizengeya went to help his friend and his Satnav took him down a road the wrong way.
MORE COURT NEWS:
In the dock: 120 hours unpaid work after scrap between man and ex-girlfriends father
Full story: Father found guilty of murdering his two-week-old baby
Woman who was more than double drink drive limit handed driving ban
Chizengeya's landlord gave a character reference in court, stating that Chizengeya is 'a very good man who works very hard' and that he is 'very polite and respectful'. He told the court that Chizengeya was 'upset and ashamed' when he told him what had happened.
District Judge A Brereton, sentencing, said: 'You strike me as a hardworking individual, and I hope this will be your one and only appearance in the courts.'
Chizengeya was banned from driving for 20 months and fined £600.
Judge Brereton also ordered him to pay a £240 surcharge and £85 in costs.
