A drink driver decided to drive home from the pub because he didn’t want to get a parking ticket, a court has heard.
Joseph Hughes, 39, of Trafalgar Road in Newport, admitted a single charge of drink driving when he appeared at the Isle of Wight Magistrates Court earlier this week (Tuesday).
Giles Fletcher, prosecuting, told the court that on the 5th March, officers noticed a vehicle travelling at 40mph in a 30mph zone in Newport. Following the vehicle, officers noticed the driver to have poor lane discipline.
Hughes initially made off on foot after officers pulled him over, but he was quickly located on Terrace Road.
A roadside breath test was conducted in which a reading of 63 was returned. Tests carried out at Newport Police Station confirmed that Hughes was nearly double the drink drive limit of 35.
The court heard how the 39-year-old father of 2 was previously handed a driving ban for driving with excess alcohol back in 2020.
Defending Hughes, Jim Osborne, told the court that his client had been out with a friend at the pub when he decided to drive home because he didn’t want to get a parking ticket.
Magistrates handed Hughes a 36-month driving ban and fined him £120. He was also ordered to pay costs of £85 and a £48 surcharge fee.
What a load of cock and bull.
It’s about time pubs took responsibility for the numpties
who they serve alcohol too!
That is the problem with pubs having car parks, it
encourages drink and driving.
ALL DRINK DRIVERS NEED BANGING UP, DRINK DRIVING
KILLS INNOCENT PEOPLE!
Why should pub staff take responsibility for individuals. We are all free to choose how we behave and therefore must take responsibility for our actions. The last thing you need is drunk people being able to shift the blame for their getting drunk onto someone else. And why should pubs not have car parks. I drive to pubs but I have not drunk alcohol for over 15 years. Not everyone who goes to a pub drins alcohol and if you have taken other people who wish to drink knowing that you will drive them home not having imbibed, why should I be unable to park? Even more pubs would close.
Another pointless ban that most probably be flouted when the need for a beer arises.
Time to start crushing vehicles
The Island authorities couldn’t crush a grape
yet alone a vehicle.
Marshmallow Isle!
A big yes into crushing cars, especially for a second offence. Drink/driving costs precious lives, so why not take it seriously and make the punishment fit the crime, or do we as usual punish the victims and their families?
Second time actually caught within a few years strongly suggest a habitual drink driver, should be 10 years to lifetime ban and vehicle confiscated. Drink driving is wicked.