A builder who drove into a road sign as he negotiated a left turn in Newport Town Centre was under the influence of alcohol at the time.
Terry Dixon, 38, of Church Path in East Cowes, appeared at the Isle of Wight Magistrates Court charged with being the driver of a vehicle failing to stop after a road accident and drink driving. Dixon previously pleaded guilty to both offences on 28th July 2023.
Liz Miller, prosecuting, said that at around 19:30 on 12th July, Dixon was driving along South Street in Newport in his Ford Transit van when he attempted to make a left turn into Orchard Street, however, he misjudged the turning and mounted the curb, smashing into a road sign.
The incident was spotted by Police.
Dixon continued through Newport Bus Station and was directed to pull over on nearby St John’s Place. Upon leaving the vehicle, Dixon could hardly stand up and had to be propped up by the officers in attendance. A roadside breath test was conducted, which Dixon failed.
Further tests conducted at Newport Police Station returned a reading of 102 – nearly 3x the legal limit of 35.
The 38-year-old self-employed builder was previously made subject to a driving ban back in 2002 just a short time after getting his licence.
Defending, Oscar Vincent said that Dixon had been invited out for some drinks by friends and that he had attempted to move the vehicle to a safe place and get the bus home, but was spotted moving his van by Police.
Dixon was banned from driving for 25 months. He was also handed a community order with 12 rehabilitation days and 130 hours of unpaid work attached.
He was ordered to pay costs of £85 and a £114 surcharge fee.
Invited out for drinks, but still decided to drive there, seems premeditated that he intended to drive home, it’s just lucky that he didn’t hit a pedestrian, knobhead
A builder with no driving licence = Zero work. Double punishment. Universal Credit, which is a complete and utter shambles, will be an option, but going on that is also punishment. All that just for the sake of a quick trip out. I bet he’s regretting it now.
He was only trying to move it to a safe place…… why do they even bother to say anything.
I enjoy the sob stories
Look at the pub carparks at 4pm, all builders vans. Most are driving on a ban as it is.
Imagine how wonky his brickwork must be
Let hope his workmanship is better than his driving skills and understanding
of not Drink Driving.
The only way to STOP idiots drink driving is instant imprisonment, these idiots will never
learn.
How many times Paul the fool who can’t build a stool
Lucky you didn’t kill or maim someone. You should be in prison.