A drink-driver who only moved his van ‘200 yards’ after a family celebration has been banned from the roads for 12 months.
James Sanders, 64, of Shanklin Road in Godshill, appeared before the Isle of Wight Magistrates Court on Tuesday, pleading guilty to the offence of drink driving.
Prosecutor Serena Edwards told the court that on 11th April, at around 22:20, Police noticed a white panel van swerving before entering a church car park on Queens Road.
Police identified Sanders and smelt alcohol on his breath. When questioned, he admitted he had consumed ‘a few pints’ before getting in the car.
Sanders failed both a roadside breath test and a further evidential test at Newport Police station.
Defending, Jim Osborne told the court that Sanders was celebrating the first birthday of his granddaughter when the offence occurred. Mr Osborne explained that Sanders had been notified that his car lights were on and subsequently went to move his car, only moving it ‘200 yards’ or so.
The 64-year-old was handed a 12-month driving ban and ordered to pay a £500 fine, £200 surcharge fee and £85 costs.
I love reading all the feeble excuses, it’s 2026 FFS
surely the defending know it’s wrong to drink and drive!
MAYBE ONE DAY THEY WILL LEARN THE HARD WAY
AND THEN THEY WILL UNDERSTAND HOW PEOPLE WHO
HAVE BEEN AFFECTED BY PERSONS DRINK DRIVING
FEEL!
I Know why I don’t agree with drink driving.
Idiot, do not drink and drive no matter how short the distance is, get in the car keys in ignition you are breaking the law why do these people make excuses it’s not acceptable??
Well said, personally I would have all drink drivers
BANGED UP for a minimum of 10 years.
THEY WON’T DRINK AND DRIVE AGAIN!