MAN WHO SAID HE’D RATHER GO TO COURT THAN GIVE SPECIMEN TO BE SENTENCED NEXT MONTH

A Shanklin man who refused to give a specimen for analysis saying ‘he would rather go to court’ is to be sentenced next month after changing his plea. David Sanders, 48, of The Rogers in Shanklin, admitted failing to provide a specimen for analysis when he appeared at the Isle of Wight Magistrates Court earlier this week (Tuesday 9th April). Liz Miller, prosecuting, told the court that on the 17th October 2023 at around 19:45, Police began following a yellow Ford van on Beaper Shute. Officers activated their lights and sirens and pulled Sanders – the driver – over in Brading on High Street. Sanders seemed annoyed at the officers and wondered why they had stopped him. Upon being told it was his speed they were watching, the 48-year-old admitted to being a cannabis user also stating he ate cannabis edibles. As a result of his admission, officers attempted to take a roadside breath test, but Sanders refused. Something he also did at Newport Police Station stating ‘I’d rather go to court – it’s juts my right’. Sanders had initially denied the offence, with the matter due to go to trial later this month but upon receiving further advice, he decided to change his plea. Defending Sanders, Michael McGoldrick, told the court that Sanders had refused to give a sample because he though the process was particularly onerous. The case was adjourned until the 28th May to allow a pre-sentence report be compiled. Sanders was handed an interim driving ban in the meantime.