A soldier on leave from the British Army was caught drink driving by Police in East Cowes just 300 yards into his journey to McDonald’s drive-thru, a court has heard.
George Stevens, 24, who is currently based at Thiepval Barracks in Northern Ireland, appeared remotely before Magistrates on Tuesday charged with a single count of drink driving.
The court heard from the Crown Prosecution Service that Stevens was spotted by Police driving a blue Mini at 01:40 on 30th November this year. Officers observed the vehicle being driven in an erratic manner and nearly colliding with 2 parked cars on Victoria Grove, East Cowes.
The vehicle was stopped and Stevens stepped out of the car before admitting to officers that he knew he was likely over the limit. He was arrested and taken to Newport Police Station where he gave an evidential breathalyser reading of 89 – the legal limit being 35.
Defending, Oscar Vincent said that his client – a member of The Rifles – had been out drinking with friends last month but had returned home by 22:30. Then, at around 01:15, he had become hungry and, feeling fit to drive, decided to travel to McDonald’s drive-thru in Ryde.
Magistrates heard that Stevens is to stay in Northern Ireland for an indefinite period and will be subject to disciplinary action by the Army.
George Stevens was given a 22-month driving ban, fined £346 and ordered to pay £85 costs with a £35 surcharge.
He should know better, being a member of our Armed forces! His punishment will be more severe by his CO than the courts.
And you think its ok he is being punished twice for the same thing ? He should be punished by civil or army not both also army culture is very much around drink and then the next day are in a fit state to go defend our country , he may well of not realised he was still over the limit as he was probably completely in control of his actions by then
Well if you read the article he did realise he might have been over the limit as he admitted it to the Police. Also, as a member of the Armed Forces myself, he will be reprimanded my the Army for bringing the service in to disrepute. The Armed Forces is not a drink culture. Everyone likes a drink but we don’t getting drunk and then pick up a weapon, that is an offence in itself. Before going on guard duty is it is suspected that a rating maybe worse for the wear, a breathalyser is used. So we wouldn’t get drunk and then go and defend our country. And even if we did its still alot more than you would do. Sleep in your bed safely. I’ve spent approx 14 years away from home, family and friends knowing that I might not come home again.
thankyou for your service sir! 🙂
Thank you Bob. It appears 2 others so far don’t agree with you and couldn’t give a toss.
Look after your self looking after us Jim
And thank you
You chose to do it. Lots of soldiers I’ve known have been drinkers. They used to fight a lot in town too.
I totally agree with you Jim
And thats 14 years out of 23 years done.
It’s a shame the Rifleman wasn’t a drug addict, he could have rolled his car into a field and walked away with £146 less in the fines, and 4 months less in the ban. I think long term Northern Ireland is punishment enough for anyone. The judicial system in this country is barking mad with no consistence.
Pathetic, Be high on cocaine, driving car full of people, crash it through a hedge and roll vehicle, and only get 18 month ban and small fine..?? Yet this chap been drinking and although did not roll or crash plus alone in car gets 22 month ban and a hefty fine ??
Where is the logic..?
Should make it automatic 10 year ban, and heavier fines.
It doesn’t matter in the end? He broke the law end of. Do you really think that the Army allows the soldiers/ officers to go drinking the day before they deploy? You need to get your facts straight. The courts have punished him, but as soon as he returns to camp his CO will have words.