DRINK DRIVER WHO LOST ‘PROFESSIONAL DRIVING’ JOB HANDED 20-MONTH BAN

A professional driver has lost his job as a bus driver – and his driving licence – after admitting drink driving during an appearance at the Isle of Wight Magistrates Court. Scott Watson, 44, of Arthur Street in Ryde, admitted the single charge earlier this week (18th June). Prosecuting, Lauren Stone told the court that on 18th May, Police noticed a vehicle swerving and travelling on the wrong side of Binstead Road on the outskirts of Ryde. Officers noticed the vehicle speed away from them in a 30mph zone, nearly reaching 50mph. Watson was pulled over and asked to complete a roadside breath test – something he initially refused to do. Eventually, the 44-year-old did comply with the procedure but failed to give a sufficient sample. Upon being arrested and taken to Newport Police Station, Watson completed the breath test procedure, giving a reading of 80 – more than double the legal limit of 35. Defending Watson, Jim Osborne said that his client had lost his job as a result of the incident and that his actions that night were the ‘wrong thing to do’ and something that Watson ‘deeply regrets’. Watson was handed a 20-month driving ban and ordered to pay a £120 fine, £85 costs and a £48 surcharge fee.