Drink driver handed suspended sentence after being caught twice during annual winter campaign

A 42-year-old man who was arrested twice during Northamptonshire Police’s annual winter drink and drug driving campaign has been handed an eight-week prison sentence - suspended for 18 months.

In the space of six days, Phillip Gobvu – also known as Philip Mugurwa Bobvu – was arrested on Monday, December 9, on suspicion of driving a motor vehicle when the alcohol level was above the limit, and then again on Sunday, December 15.

Gobvu, of Duston Wildes in Northampton, was first arrested at 2.30am on December 9, when Northamptonshire Police Response Officers observed a grey Vauxhall Corsa driving at 30mph and swerving between lanes on the westbound carriageway of the A45.

The officers signalled for Gobvu to pull over at the A45 Billing Interchange near Earls Barton, but when he got out of the car, he forgot to put the handbrake on, and the vehicle started to roll back.

Gobvu, who had an unopened bottle of Corona in his jacket pocket, told the officers he had drank alcohol earlier in the evening however, after he failed the roadside breath test, he was arrested.

Once in police custody, he provided an evidential reading of 154 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath – more than four times over the legal limit which is 35 micrograms – and was bailed to appear before magistrates on Thursday, January 2.

However, shortly after 9pm on Sunday, December 15, a member of the public called 999 with concerns around the manner of driving of a grey Mercedes on Main Road, Duston, which they had seen repeatedly hit the kerb and swerving on to the wrong side of the road.

Officers from the Northamptonshire Roads Policing Team found the car parked on a driveway outside Gobvu’s home address, with him still sitting in the driver’s seat and appearing to be intoxicated.

Gobvu was again arrested and subsequently charged with driving a motor vehicle when the alcohol level was above the limit after providing an evidential reading more than twice over the legal limit (72 micrograms).

On Tuesday, December 17, at Northampton Magistrates’ Court, Gobvu pleaded guilty to both offences and his case was adjourned for pre-sentencing reports, and he was issued an interim driving disqualification.

At the same court on Thursday, February 13, Gobvu was sentenced to eight-weeks in prison, suspended for 18-months and disqualified from driving for 48 months. He was also ordered to pay £85 court costs and £154 victim surcharge as well as complete a rehabilitation activity.

Arresting officer, PC Scott Kimberley of the Roads Policing Team, said: “Phillip Gobvu had already been charged after providing an evidential sample which was more than four times over the legal limit.

“So, to continue to get behind the wheel while under the influence of alcohol not only showed a real contempt for the authorities but was also selfish, dangerous, and irresponsible as he put himself and other innocent road users at risk.

“Reducing the number of people killed or seriously injured on our roads remains a priority for Northamptonshire Police and our partners at the Northamptonshire Safer Roads Alliance, and I’m pleased the courts have dealt with this driver robustly.”

Tragically in 2023, after being involved in a road collision in Northamptonshire, 29 people never returned home safely to their loved ones, and 271 required urgent medical assistance for serious and life-changing injuries.

If you suspect someone is driving while disqualified or under the influence of alcohol, report it online or call Northamptonshire Police on 101. Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Always call 999 in the event of an emergency, such as a crime in progress or where life is at risk.