A Newport man who was seen speeding through the town centre whilst drunk has been banned from driving for 16 months.
Winston Rees, 34, of Gunville Crescent, pleaded guilty to drink driving when he appeared at the Isle of Wight Magistrates Court on Tuesday.
At 03:30 on 9th April, Police on mobile patrol noticed a vehicle – a BMW – on St James’ Street in Newport after it appeared to be driving at speed.
A short time later, officers pulled over the vehicle and Rees stepped out. He immediately admitted that he had drunk some alcohol and also taken cocaine. A roadside breath test and drugs wipe was conducted – both returned positive results.
The 34-year-old was taken to Newport Police Station where 2 further evidential alcohol tests were conducted. The lowest of which returned a reading of 57.
As is standard practice, Police opted not to pursue a charge for drug driving, which would take much longer to bring to court.
Rees was last in court back in 2009 when he was convicted of criminal damage.
Defending himself, Rees said that he shouldn’t have got behind the wheel and that he had lost his job at a holiday park as a result of the impending driving ban he was going to be given.
Magistrates handed the 34-year-old a 16 month driving ban. He was also ordered to pay a fine of £120, costs of £85 and a surcharge fee of £48.
So no consequence for drug driving or speeding in built up area potentially putting others at risk!.
Spot on. Sentencing is PATHETIC
These lenient sentences are no deterrent.
The law abiding public deserve better.
He could have killed or severely injured someone.
a new magistrate is needed
I best stay off St James Street on a Sunday lunchtime then, just in case, can’t be losing me old mobility scooter, I needs her to collect me fags & do me lottery tickets, but most important is getting up Broadlands Labour Exchange to sign on, I’d never make it up Snooks Hill, not with my gout!
Surely a few pints of painkiller could help you to stagger up to the dole office unaided?
Maybe he was speeding to get his next drink.
what a joke.
Put drink drivers in prison once they are caught.
No excuses.
Drink driving kills
Once again a totally farcical sentence, the scum was drunk and on drugs and gets a small fine and an equally short ban, he should have had a massive fine and a lifetime ban as its behaviour shows its contempt for the safety of others.
i think the magistrate was drunk pathetic
Anyone caught driving with drug or alcohol above the legal limit should appear in court on the next day , also subject to interim disqualification
Admits an offence and is not prosecuted because of ‘standard practice’? No wonder this Island is infested with these types, you can’t give it away!