A pensioner who crashed his car because of the blinding sun was also found to be under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash.
Robert Webster, 79, of Woods Drive in Apse Heath pleaded guilty to 1 count of drink driving when he appeared at the Isle of Wight Magistrates Court on Friday.
As previously reported by Island Echo, Webster was involved in a crash at around 18:00 on 17th September that saw his Honda Jazz collide with a wall on Newport Road, just before Honor & Jeffrey Garden Centre as a result of the low, blinding sun. He had been travelling from Morrison’s in Lake – just down the road.
Siobhan Oxley, prosecuting, told the court that Police were called to the scene where Webster was receiving treatment from the Isle of Wight Ambulance Service.
A member of the public noticed that there was a smell of alcohol coming from Webster so Police asked him to conduct a roadside breath test – he blew 59.
Webster was taken to St Mary’s where his injuries were assessed. It was here he was asked to give a blood alcohol sample, which returned a reading of 120. The legal limit is 80.
Defending, Henry Farley said that his client had been an exemplary driver for the 60 years he had held his licence, in which time he had also spent a period working as a coach driver. He also added that the 79-year-old had given up driving since the incident saying he can get by using the bus instead.
Farley explained that the pensioner had been drinking beforehand in Shanklin but didn’t realise he was over the limit.
Magistrates handed Webster a 15-month ban and he was also ordered to pay a £235 fine, a victim surcharge fee of £94 and £85 costs.
Should be Zero Tolerance…
That way no one can claim they didn’t realise they we’re over the limit …..
Stupid reply. For zero means even mouth wash or Christmas cake laced with Brandy would be game for Police ‘numbers’ target, yet do nothing to stop accidents.
Are you too dim to see the “ didn’t realise I was over the limit “ is USED as a mitigation excuse?
There is no need to be so rude.
I’m a barbie girl in a barbie world
…..and completely bonkers!
I love that song it’s my favourite
79 years old and still a village idiot
He should have his license taken away permanently?
There’s alcohol in various products, such as mouthwash and medications. That’s why the limit can’t be zero.
Glad i never travelled in the drunk’s coaches
When I die I want to go like my uncle did, peacefully in his sleep. Not screaming in terror like the passengers on his coach.
Or maybe he just didn’t get caught before. Exemplary my …….