MAN CAUGHT URINATING IN PASSENGER FOOTWELL REFUSED TO PROVIDE BREATH SAMPLE

A 53-year-old Ryde man who was caught by Police urinating in his own car has been slapped with an interim driving ban after failing to provide a breathalyser reading. Marcus Webb, of Carlton Road in Ryde, appeared before the Isle of Wight Magistrates Court on Tuesday charged with failing to provide – an offence he pleaded guilty to at the first opportunity. Liz Miller, prosecuting, told the bench that a Police officer caught sight of a vehicle in the vicinity of Sutton Close on Boxing Day last year. The vehicle was seen to be driven in a ‘chaotic’ manner and nearly crashed into a wall. PC Martin – a local dog handler – soon followed the vehicle into a cul-de-sac car park where he found Webb urinating in the passenger footwell with the engine of the car still running and the lights on.  The court heard that Webb was ‘clearly drunk’ as he was slurring his words, smelt of alcohol and struggled to stand up straight. At Newport Police Station it is said Webb refused to provide a specimen of breath for analysis, resulting in a charge of failing to provide. Defending, Oscar Vincent said that Marcus Webb had been out playing pool with his family that evening but when he returned home, he ‘needed space’. Webb went and sat in his car with some alcoholic drinks and, when he got cold, started the vehicle. Mr Vincent told the court that Webb cannot remember what happened after that point. The court heard that it was Webb’s first time drinking in 3 years and that he had not been taking medication for his mental health. He also had not eaten or slept much in the days beforehand. Mr Vincent said that his client was ‘deeply ashamed and regretful’, adding that Webb had lost his home and his relationship of 14 years as a result. Magistrates adjourned the case for a pre-sentence report to be compiled and handed Marcus Webb an interim driving ban, ahead of a sentencing hearing on 1st March 2024.