TOWN COUNCILLOR CONVICTED AFTER CRASHING CAR WHILST 4X DRINK DRIVE LIMIT

An alcohol-dependent town councillor has been convicted of drink driving after crashing his electric car into a number of other vehicles in an underground car park – whilst more than 4x the drink-drive limit. 62-year-old Thomas Hanley, of West Hill Road in Ryde, appeared before the Isle of Wight Magistrates Court this morning (Tuesday) charged with driving a motor vehicle when alcohol level above limit. Tom Hanley, who is a town councillor for the Ryde Appley and Elmfield ward, pleaded guilty to the offence at the first opportunity, disgracing his previous good name. He was elected to office in November 2022 under the ‘Our Ryde’ banner and currently represents residents on Ryde Town Council. Liz Miller, prosecuting, explained to the court that on 30th December last year, Police were called to the Co-Operative car park on George Street in Ryde to reports of a collision involving a VW ID.3. 5 vehicles had been seriously damaged including a Mercedes-Benz, a Vauxhall, a Kia and a Toyota. A number of pedestrians narrowly avoided being hit also. Concerns were raised by those present that Hanley was drinking from an open can of beer in the car. To responding officers, it was clear he had been drinking and he soon made admissions that he had consumed 4 cans of beer. He was subsequently arrested. En route to Newport Police Station, it is said that Hanley became passive-aggressive to officers stating that 1 would ‘lose their job’ because Hanley is a councillor. In custody, an evidential breathalyser reading recorded 141 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath – the legal limit being just 35. Defending, Barry Arnett said that his client was taking steps to address his issues, the primary issue being alcohol dependency. Mr Arnett explained to the court that Hanley has booked a GP appointment and is to begin sessions with Isorropia. Speaking on behalf of Hanley, Mr Arnett said that he was ‘bitterly ashamed’ and apologises for his actions. A letter of apology was also shown to the Magistrates. The case has been adjourned for a pre-sentence report to be compiled, with Hanley warned that he faces a possible custodial sentence. The councillor has been handed an interim driving disqualification ahead of a sentencing hearing on 1st March 2024. Ryde Town Council and Councillor Hanley have been approached as to whether he will be resigning as a councillor following his conviction today, on the grounds of a criminal conviction, admission of alcohol dependency and bringing the Town Council into disrepute.