DRINK DRIVER WHO IGNORED POLICE’S WARNING TO BE SENTENCED IN AUGUST

A Ryde man who was told by Police not to drink drive – but then proceeded to do so anyways – could face going to prison. Steven Lawrie, 33, of Slade Road in Ryde appeared at the Isle of Wight Magistrates Court today (Tuesday) charged with drink driving. Prosecuting, Lauren Stone told the court that at around 20:30 on 2nd June, at The Wheatsheaf Inn in Brading, Police received reports that a man may be about to drive home whilst under the influence of alcohol. Officers in the area attended the scene and made clear to Lawrie – who was standing around in the car park – that he should get someone to pick him up or call for a taxi. However, just over an hour later, Police were called after the 33-year-old decided to get behind the wheel and drive off. Having pulled the father of 1 over, they attempted to get Lawrie to provide a sample of breath but he refused stating “What’s the point, I know I’m gonna fail”. Lawrie has 2 previous convictions for driving with excess alcohol and was handed a 3-year ban back in September 2020. He also has a previous conviction for driving whilst disqualified. Defending Lawrie, Michael McGoldrick told the court that his client had come to the Island for a ‘fresh start’ and that he had reached out to Inclusion after admitting he has an underlying alcohol problem. Magistrates adjourned the case until 2nd August. They warned Lawrie that all sentencing options – including sending him to custody – were still available to them. He was handed an interim driving ban in the meantime.