Six drivers have been branded grossly irresponsible and selfish after admitting drink or drug-driving-related offences when they appeared before Ipswich magistrates yesterday morning.
After the motorists from Ipswich, Bury St Edmunds, Woodbridge and Red Lodge, were disqualified from driving the county’s Police and Crime Commissioner launched a broadside at those with a “cavalier attitude” to road safety.
Tim Passmore said: “It amazes and depresses me that despite the obvious dangers, too many drivers still take to the road under the influence of drink or drugs.
“Today we’ve seen six more drivers in court for drink or drug-driving related offences. It is extremely disappointing, but well done to the constabulary for their continued enforcement.
“All drivers need to understand that drink or drug-driving risks lives and the lives of others, it is grossly irresponsible and selfish.
“I hope that slowly but surely the message is getting through. This cavalier attitude to safety is completely unacceptable and I urge drivers to take heed. Sadly, as today has shown, too many drivers have still not learnt the lesson – drink/drug driving kills.”
Detective Inspector Chris Hinitt, of the Norfolk and Suffolk Roads Policing team, said: “It’s always massively disappointing to see that people are still prepared to break the law and get behind the wheel under the influence of drink or drugs.
“I would urge people to think seriously about the implications a driving ban and court case would have on their professional and social lives, driving to work or college, childcare arrangements or school runs, socialising and visiting family. The impact of losing your licence is enormous, causing the loss of a life is devastating to all those involved.”
Among those banned yesterday was carer Michelle Benson, of Reading Road, Ipswich, was two-and-a-half times the drink-drive limit while driving her Ford Fiesta on July 31.
An off-duty police officer had seen the 34-year-old’s car swerving across the carriageway narrowly missing traffic islands in Felixstowe Road, Nacton.
A subsequent breath test showed she had 90 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath. The legal limit is 35mcgs.
The court was told Benson had a previous conviction in 2004 for failing to provide a specimen.
Simon Gladwell, representing Benson who admitted drink-driving, said his client would undoubtedly lose her job as a result of her conviction.
Magistrates banned Benson from driving for 24 months and ordered her to carry out 40 hours’ unpaid work. She must also pay a total of £170 in costs and to the victims’ fund.
Legal secretary Sarah Stevens of Elderberry Road, Red Lodge, near Mildenhall, pleaded guilty to failing to provide a specimen on August 6.
Police had seen the 39-year-old was disqualified from driving for 16 months. She must also pay a total of £409 incorporating a fine and court costs.
The court heard she refused a breath test as she incorrectly believed she should have a solicitor present before taking it.
Callum Compton, of Garrod Approach, Woodbridge, was banned for 18 months after admitting drink-driving in Main Road, Kesgrave.
The 22-year-old’s Ford Fiesta went into the back of a Mercedes which had stopped at a red traffic light at 4am on July 28.
Compton had 183 milligrammes of alcohol in 100mls of blood. The legal limit is 80mlgs. He must also pay a total of £235 in fines and costs.
Robert Fuller, of Mcintyre Walk, Bury St Edmunds, was banned for 12 months after being caught in the town’s Fornham Road at 3am on August 6.
A breath test showed the 25-year-old had 49mcgs of alcohol in 100mls of breath.
Fuller, who admitted drink-driving, was ordered to pay £365.
Liam Walker, of Maryon Road, Ipswich, has lost his licence for 12 months after pleading guilty to drink-driving.
A breath test showed the 20-year-old had 44mcgs of alcohol in 100mls of breath when he was caught in a Nissan Bluebird in Bury Road, Ipswich, on August 6. In addition Walker may pay out £265.
KFC worker Pawel Godlewski, of Flint Close, Ipswich, admitted failing to provide a blood specimen for drug testing on August 8.
The 31-year-old’s Honda Accord was stopped in Belstead Road, Ipswich.
Godlewski was banned for 12 months and must pay £295.
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