POLICE have said drink-driving in and around Lyme Regis will not be tolerated after three residents have been banned from driving and fined.

And PC Richard Winward highlighted the fact that all the drivers are middle-aged or older.

David Furneaux, 78, of Queens Walk in Lyme appeared at Weymouth Magistrates Court on March 13 following his arrest in November last year.

He was disqualified from driving for one year and fined £200, with £85 costs.

PC Winward said: “He had a crash at the top of Fernhill in Lyme Regis.

“He drove away from the crash back to his home address. I attended there, and he provided a positive breath test. He was arrested and taken into custody.

“Following the station breath test procedure which confirmed that he was over the drink drive limit, he was later charged.”

Peter Earle, 50, of Woodroffe Meadow, Lyme Regis, appeared at Weymouth Magistrates Court on March 21.

He was disqualified from driving for one year, fined £400 and ordered to pay £85 costs.

PC Winward said: “The circumstances are that on March 1 I saw him drive on the wrong side of the Clappentail Lane mini roundabout late at night.

“A stop check was carried out, and following a positive breath test, he was arrested.

“He was taken to Bridport, and the station breath test procedure was carried out.

“This showed that he was over the drink drive limit. He was later charged.”

Zaena Barnard, 48, of Venlake Meadow, Uplyme, appeared at Weymouth Magistrates Court on Monday, March 24.

PC Winward said: “I attempted to stop her so I could talk about her driving, but she failed to stop.

“With my blue lights and sirens on and following Ms Barnard, she drove past her home address, and six miles around Uplyme, where she ended up in The Talbot Arms car park, where I boxed her in and she was arrested for failing to stop, and failing to provide a sample of breath for a roadside breath test when I suspected that she had been drinking.

“At Weymouth custody suite she also failed to take part in the breath test procedure.

“She was detained overnight, and was then charged with failing to stop and failing to provide a sample of breath.”

She was disqualified for a year and fined by the court.

“It is interesting to note the ages of these three. Not youngsters,” added PC Winward.

“These convictions will affect their future ability to get car insurance, and if they can get it, the premiums they will pay. The convictions will also stay with them for life.

“Drink drivers can kill people, and it will not be tolerated.”