A new scheme aiming to rehabilitate drink-drivers has now been applied by Colchester magistrates.
Under the new system, introduced nationwide last Thursday, law-breaking motorists can get up to a quarter lopped off their disqualification period if they agree to go on the special rehabilitation course.
On Friday Michael Dunford-Mackenzie, 58, of Seaview Avenue, West Mersea, admitted drink-driving and was banned from driving for 30 months, ordered to pay £55 costs and put on probation for six months by magistrates.
But having agreed to take part in the course, which includes role play and learning about the effects of drink on driving skills, Dunford-Mackenzie will now have his disqualification from driving sentence reduced to 24 months.
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