Brighton Magistrates’ Court heard Gilbert Kmiecik’s alcohol reading was in the highest bracket when he was stopped by police in St George’s Place, Brighton.
The court was told police received a concerned call from one of the 12 passengers onboard the 52 Big Lemon Bus at around 8.30am on December 20 after Kmiecik took a wrong turn and was “exhibiting generally poor driving”.
An alcohol breath test showed the 57-year-old had 148 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath.
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The legal limit is 35 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath.
Kmiecik, of Mitchelldean in Peacehaven, told the court he suffered with insomnia and sleep apnoea and has poor mental health.
From the dock, the bus driver said he “didn’t drink before he was on duty” and that he had a drink the day before.
He said he took his medication before his shift.
“For 20 years I was a very good bus driver,” he said.
“One hour has damaged my life.”
The court was told Kmiecik, who pleaded guilty to the charge of driving a motor vehicle with an alcohol level above the legal limit, has no previous convictions.
Kmiecik, who currently has a six month interim ban from driving, was due to be sentenced at the court on Wednesday.
But judges were concerned a Polish interpreter would be needed for proceedings to go ahead.
The sentencing was adjourned to March 14.
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