A Cowes man who was caught drink driving, but then failed to provide, had only had his licence back a matter of weeks, a court has today (Tuesday) heard.
Joshua Barnes, 22, of Church View Close in Cowes, pleaded guilty to failing to provide a specimen for analysis when he appeared in front of Magistrates.
Prosecuting, Ann Smout told the court that at 16:35 on 21st August, Barnes was seen driving erratically on Coppins Bridge in Newport by Police officers on patrol. Barnes proceeded to drive around the busy roundabout heading up Medina Way before being stopped by Police.
At the roadside, the 22-year-old became argumentative and said that he had only consumed 1 alcoholic drink that day. After noticing that Barnes seemed intoxicated and that his eyes were glazed officers asked him to complete a roadside breath test. He blew a reading of 64 – well over the legal limit of 35.
Barnes was subsequently arrested and taken to Newport Police Station where he refused to give an evidential specimen of breath for analysis.
Defending, Jim Osborne said that his client had vowed not to drink and drive after he was the victim of an incident involving a drink driver in 2020 – leading to Barnes spending a considerable amount of time in Hospital. He also added that his client deeply regretted his actions and that he wouldn’t normally have drunk had he not had an argument with his girlfriend.
Barnes, who last worked as a delivery driver, was convicted of drug driving in June 2021 and only finished his disqualification period in June of this year.
He was handed a new, 42-month disqualification from driving, a 12-month community order comprising 120 hours of unpaid work and 15 rehabilitation days, as well as being ordered to pay £85 costs and a £114 surcharge fee.
Well he’s learning hard way, still only a kid at 22, banned from driving twice. Drank alcohol because of argument with girlfriend, I would be broke if I did that with the misses after every arguement. At least a tougher sentence than some.
Joshua Barnes you low life scum bag sort you life out
Won’t learn will do it again
Scum like this should lose their licence for life, a driving licence is a privilege not a right, he has learned nothing from the first time an quite selfishly is willing to put other peoples lives at danger.
Needs to stop drinking all together. Go to AA. Time to wake up that he’s an alcoholic and sort his life out.