A Welsh man who helped create the breathalyzer test was arrested after he failed an alcohol breath test.
Richard Lacey, 70, was arrested Nov. 23 after his breath test was measured at 41 micrograms. The legal limit in the UK is 35 micrograms.
Lacey pleaded guilty to one count of drunk driving in court this week, the BBC reported.
Lacey admitted to having "a couple pints" and drinking wine before getting in his car.
Prosecutor Shane Maddocks told the court that Lacey had "definitely been drinking and was wobbly" after police discovered his damaged car near Talgarth, Wales, according to the County Times.
"I've really got nothing to say. I misjudged how much I'd drunk," Lacey told the court. "I'm retired. I designed breathalyzers and used to work with the police."
Lion Laboratories created the breathalyzer test in the 1970s in South Wales. The test has since been modernized and has gone on to be used by law enforcement around the world to take drunk drivers off the streets, The Telegraph reported.
As a result of his plea, Lacy was barred from driving for 13 months. He was also ordered to pay a £600 fine, or about $756, as well as a £240 surcharge and £85 costs, which is about $409 in total.
© 2024 Latin Times. All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
