Trouble over previous convictions leads to Ipswich drink-driver’s ban

Anthony Pinnington, of Sandpiper Road, Ipswich, pleaded guilty before the town’s magistrates to drink-driving and failing to stop for a police officer.

The offences occurred on February 16.

Prosecutor Colette Harper said the 49-year-old was driving a Ford Fiesta from his home towards Yew Tree Rise.

While he was in Sheldrake Drive police noticed his car’s interior light was on and the rear number plate light was not working.

The Ford Fiesta also mounted the kerb.

It came to a stop in Belmont Road after an officer signalled for it to pull over.

The court heard as the constable got out of his vehicle Pinnington hurriedly drove off.

The Fiesta got to the end of the road and collided with a traffic sign.

Pinnington got out but was detained.

A breath test showed he had 80 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath. The legal limit is 35mcgs.

Magistrates were told Pinnington – who walked into court aided by a metal crutch - admitted he was trying to evade police because he knew he was drink-driving.

Michael Stephenson, mitigating, said his client expressed remorse for what he had done.

Pinnington had been to a party in town centre pub that evening and had no intention of driving.

However, there was some trouble which saw Pinnington being ‘picked on’ due to his previous convictions. It was not said in court what those convictions were for.

Pinnington left the pub, and he and a female friend shared a taxi to their respective homes.

Shortly after Pinnington arrived home the woman rang him and was upset her husband had not come home.

Mr Stephenson said there had been a bit of a ‘kerfuffle’ over the husband not knowing Pinnington’s background and the woman was very distressed.

Pinnington then said he would drive round to see the woman.

Magistrates banned Pinnington from driving for 20 months and fined him a total of £200.

He must also pay £85 costs, as well as £20 to the victims’ fund.