A drunken holidaymaker has been banned from the roads for 20 months after driving his car at a St Helens holiday park whilst twice the drink-drive limit.
Gareth Cloete, 38, of Whatley Avenue in London pleaded guilty to drink driving when he appeared in front of Magistrates on the Isle of Wight on Tuesday.
The court heard from the prosecution that on the night of 25th June this year, security had to remove Cloete from the bar at Nodes Point Holiday Park as he had consumed too much drink. Just 20 minutes later, security guards spotted Cloete behind the wheel of his Audi A3. The action was captured on video, which was later shown to Police when they arrived on site at 23:30.
An evidential breathalyser recorded a reading of 73, the legal limit being 35.
Ann Smout, prosecuting, told the court that in interview Cloete said he couldn’t remember driving but did remember being in the car.
Defending, Henry Farley said that his client made a ‘catastrophic error of judgement’ and was ashamed of himself. Mr Farley told the court that Cloete had a full licence for over 20 years and had only driven around 30 yards on the night in question.
The window film installer, who runs his own company, was fined £400 by Magistrates and handed a 20-month driving disqualification. He was also ordered to pay £85 costs with a £160 surcharge.
“Only 30 yards” yes 30 yards to many when you have any alcohol
If only 30 yards, why didn’t he walk. Well done security.
Over £600 in extra expenses. Not such a cheap holiday after all. Could have gone to Spain for that price.