can I divorce him without his consent ?

[Lemonstartree]

I wish to divorce my husband n the grounds of unreasonable behaviour. He is an alcoholic c and drug addict. I have many independent witnesses to his behaviour including 3 police reports. He does not want a divorce, Can I petition him anyway and will I get at least a decree nisi (I recognise the absolute will take time as we will need to agree some things!!! )

You don't need his consent to start an action for divorce on the grounds of unreasonable behaviour. However, if he does not want a divorce he is entitled to oppose the petition. It is then up to the court to decide if the behaviour you describe is factual and is so bad that you cannot reasonably be expected to continue living with him.

If you can persuade him to accept that you are going to divorce him and agree the grounds with him it will save money for both of you. If he doesn't oppose the divorce the courts will generally accept something fairly mild as grounds, although it needs to be a bit stronger than, say, a complaint that he always leaves the toilet seat up.