Anyone who is foolish enough to get behind the wheel while drunk would be best advised to keep any opinions on the road usage of other drivers to themselves.
However, a drink-driver who was around four times the legal limit compounded his stupidity by flicking a 'V' sign at none other than the chief constable of Durham Police, during a manoeuvre on the A1.
Consett Magistrates' Court heard that Darlington man Tracy Kelsey gave the Agincourt salute while undertaking Chief Constable John Stoddart's unmarked car at 70mph on 8 February.
Speaking after the proceedings, Chief Con Stoddart told the Northern Echo that he had "peeped" Kelsey, arousing the ire of the drink-driver, who weaved in front and then braked suddenly, causing the off-duty officer to take evasive action.
However, the officer activated his siren and lights, giving chase and signalling for Kelsey to pull off the A1 at services.
"He stunk like a classic ale bar," Chief Con Stoddart said.
Magistrates, who heard that Kelsey regularly stuck away 10 pints of lager a day and was first caught drink-driving at the age of 14, gave him a 12-week suspended jail sentence.
He was also banned from driving for five years.
The incident mirrors another unfortunate episode which took place last month in Australia.
Without even taking a break from talking on his mobile phone, a foolish 'hoon' made an obscene gesture to Queensland's acting police commissioner, who was off-duty at the time.
