Shocking moment HGV trailer almost topples over: Drunk Romanian driver, 38, who was almost four times over the limit avoids prison after being stopped by police on roundabout

• Marius Viorel Amarie was arrested near Aycliffe Village, County Durham 

This is the shocking moment a HGV trailer, steered by a drunk driver nearly four times over the limit, nearly topples over on a roundabout.

Marius Viorel Amarie, 38, from Romania, was arrested near Aycliffe Village, County Durham after he breathalysed at 131 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath. The limit is 35 microgrammes.

Police were alerted to the vehicle after reports of erratic driving and multiple near-misses with oncoming traffic. 

Amarie admitted drink driving earlier this week but avoided jail as he was given a 12-week prison sentence suspended for 12 months.

He was also banned from driving for three years and ordered to pay more than £200 in costs. 

A spokesperson for Durham Police said: ‘Drink driving is inexcusable at the best of times, but throw a heavy goods vehicle (HGV) into the mix and it’s almost unbelievable.’

Marius Viorel Amarie pleaded guilty and was banned from driving for three years and given a 12-week prison sentence suspended for 12 months at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court

‘But Marius Viorel Amarie did exactly that last Friday morning (October 27) when he drove his lorry at over four times the drink-drive limit.

‘A caller to our control room reported witnessing the vehicle driving erratically and almost colliding with multiple traffic islands between Heighington village and Aycliffe Village.

‘SC Howells, a special constable in our roads policing unit, caught up with Amarie on Heighington Lane as he attempted to navigate a roundabout.

‘As seen in the footage, Amarie’s trailer was close to tipping over when he mounted the kerb several times.

‘In custody Amarie blew 131 on his breath test. The legal drink drive limit is 35.’

Armarie was charged with drink driving and appeared at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court on 30 October. 

He admitted the offence and was banned from driving for three years and given a 12-week prison sentence suspended for 12 months. 

He was also ordered to pay £85 costs and a surcharge of £154.

The spokesperson added: ‘Whether it’s a HGV, van, small car or motorcycle, please think twice before drink driving.

‘If you’re lucky, the worst that will happen is you’ll get caught.’

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