Prolific Isle of Wight offender Benjamin Entwistle, who has a long history of serious criminality, has avoided prison after being sentenced for a string of drug driving and motoring offences.
Entwistle, 38, of Westlake Avenue in Sandown, appeared before the Isle of Wight Magistrates Court for sentencing this week having previously admitted 3 counts of drug driving, in charge of a motor vehicle with a proportion of a specified controlled drug and driving without insurance.
The well-known criminal was also sentenced for criminal damage, after he was convicted at trial back in April.
The offences occurred between 30th June and 3rd October 2025.
Defending Entwistle, Michael McGoldrick told the court that he was pleased to see that his client had engaged with probation during the compilation of the pre-sentence report and that he knew that any breaches of any order would result in custody, given his antecedent history.
In 2013, Entwhistle was sought by Police for breaking the conditions of his release from prison. Then, in 2018, he was subject to an Island-wide manhunt by Police.
Just a year later, in 2019, Entwhistle was sent to prison for 22 weeks over a near-fatal crash on Briddlesford Road. Then, in January 2023, he was jailed for more than 2 years after a violent incident in Shanklin.
His home in Westlake Avenue was destroyed as a result of an arson attack back in February 2022, as previously reported by Island Echo.
At Tuesday’s hearing, Magistrates, who spent a while deciding their sentence, handed Entwistle an 18-month community order with a building choices programme and 35 rehabilitation activity days attached.
He was also ordered to pay costs of £650 and a £114 surcharge fee. Compensation of £36 was awarded to Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary for the damage of a Police vehicle.
