A 74-year-old man has received a driving disqualification lasting almost two years after admitting to operating a vehicle while exceeding the permitted blood alcohol level.

Paul Frankham, residing at Barrington Road in Watchfield, entered a guilty plea to being in charge of a black Jaguar XF while under the influence of alcohol.

The incident occurred at Faringdon’s Market Place.

Testing revealed that Frankham had 88 microgrammes of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath—an amount exceeding the legal threshold of 35 microgrammes by more than twice.

The case was heard at Oxford Magistrates’ Court.

Frankham was sentenced to a 20-month period of disqualification from driving.

This penalty may be shortened by 20 weeks provided he finishes an approved program before May 27, 2027.

Additionally, he was assessed a financial penalty of £120, required to cover court charges amounting to £85, and subjected to a £48 victim surcharge.

All financial obligations must be settled completely by Wednesday, May 13.

The charge was brought under section 5(1)(a) of the Road Traffic Act 1988.