A man who refused to provide a breath sample at the roadside because he was embarrassed, but later went on to blow 68 at the Police station, has been banned from driving for 17 months.
Stephen Robinson, 53, of Park Way in Apse Heath, appeared before the Isle of Wight Magistrates Court on Tuesday where he pleaded guilty to drink driving.
Liz Miller, prosecuting, explained to the court that on 23rd December officers were conducting an ‘Operation Holly’ [drink drive campaign] patrol when they spotted Robinson’s car in the Merrie Gardens pub car park in Lake. They followed the vehicle to nearby Morrisons car park, where the officers witnessed Robinson attempting to park his car before then deciding to park in a disabled bay instead.
Officers approached the car and detected a strong smell of alcohol, with Stephen Robinson making admissions that he had drunk 2 pints. He refused to provide a roadside sample and was arrested.
At Newport Police Station an evidential reading of 68 was provided.
Oscar Vincent, defending, said that his client had been invited to meet a relative at the Merrie Gardens pub where he consumed 2 pints. He explained that Robinson failed to provide a roadside sample of breath as he was embarrassed due to lots of people being around.
The self-employed individual, who works in the building trade, was handed a 17-month driving disqualification by magistrates who also ordered him to pay a £120 fine, £85 costs and a £34 surcharge.
Plonker ! (Input is to short) ?
Ok, don’t drink and drive as you will spill it. (That better) ?