DISQUALIFIED DRIVER CAUGHT JUST 5 WEEKS AFTER BAN TOLD FRIEND “I F**KED UP”

A disqualified driver caught drink driving just 5 weeks after he was banned for 20-months texted his friend “I f**ked up” before his arrest, a court has heard.

28-year-old Takunda Manhobo, of Sandown Road in Lake, appeared before Magistrates earlier this week (Tuesday) where he admitted drink driving, driving whilst disqualified and aggravated vehicle taking.

Steven Woolfe, for the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), told the court that on the evening of June 14th, Manhombo had been at a friend’s house in Shanklin, drinking and watching football.

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During the evening, an argument erupted and Manhombo left the address with his friend’s car keys – a move he hadn’t made clear to his friend.

It wasn’t until he awoke at around 06:00 the next day that the friend realised their car – a Nissan Qashqai – was missing.

At around 02:30, Police stopped a suspected drink driver on Queen’s Road in Shanklin. Manhombo, who then exited the vehicle, was seen to be unsteady on his feet, his eyes glazed and smelt strongly of alcohol, Mr Woolfe said.

The 28-year-old, who has just a single conviction on his record, was taken to Newport Police Station where he provided a breath sample of 49 – more than the legal limit of 35.

Court heard how Manhombo sent messages to his friend shortly before his arrest saying “I f**ked up, I f**ked up”.

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These offences were committed just 5 weeks after Manhombo was handed a 20-month ban for drink driving following a crash in Lake back in March.

Defending Manhombo, a carer, Jim Osborne said that his client had significant mental health issues and asked for a pre-sentence report to be compiled.

Magistrates agreed with Mr Osborne and adjourned the case until the 25th September.