6 days Ago
A DRINK driver who "foolishly" drove a family member's Volkswagen Golf after claims he was attacked in a Tesco Express, has been banned from the roads for three years. Thomas Willmott, of Spring Hill, Ventnor, pleaded guilty to drink driving, driving without a licence and driving without insurance, on March 15. The Isle of Wight Magistrates' Court heard that police were called to an incident at the Tesco Express in Ventnor at 10.
30pm. Read more: Colleague tipped off police after drink driver was sent home early from work They then were looking for a Volkswagen Golf, which had left the scene. Willmott was later seen driving the vehicle, and was beckoned to stop by an officer, said Liz Miller, prosecuting.
The court heard that he "smelt strongly of booze" and failed a roadside breath test. At Newport Police Station, he provided a breath reading of 56 microgrammes. The legal limit is 35.
Willmott was previously convicted of drink driving in 2020. Read more: Drink driving special constable resigns and faces misconduct investigation Oscar Vincent, defending, said his client had been the victim of a serious assault in Tesco Express and "felt the need to get away". "He saw a family member's car nearby and foolishly decided to drive it," Mr Vincent explained.
Willmott had suffered an injury to the side of his face, caused by the assault. Magistrates fined him £120 and ordered him to pay £85 costs and a £48 surcharge. We do not moderate comments, but we expect readers to adhere to certain rules in the interests of open and accountable debate.
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