Drink driver caught after pulling up behind police car

AN ISLE of Wight gardener was caught over the drink-drive limit after pulling up behind a police car in the early morning.

Lee Taylor, of Mayfield Drive, Newport, appeared before Isle of Wight magistrates on Tuesday, June 25.

The 36-year-old admitted a single count of drink driving, in Ryde, on June 9.

Prosecutor, Liz Miller, said police had been parked at the entrance to Kite Hill Caravan Park at around 12.20am.

She said they had been looking for another person when they saw a Ford Fiesta, being driven by Taylor, pull up behind them.

Ms Miller said police approached his vehicle and Taylor was described as mumbling and smelling of intoxicating liquor.

The court heard he told officers he had been drinking at a friend’s house, was described as uncooperative and confused, and registered a breath-alcohol reading of 49 at the police station when the legal limit is 35.

Michael McGoldrick, defending, said Taylor – who had no previous convictions – damaged the ligaments in his knee in March.

He was a keen sportsman feeling low and depressed as a result of the injury and was drinking more than usual.

The court heard he felt he wouldn’t be over the limit when he got behind the wheel.

Mr McGoldrick told the bench Taylor was a gardener who drove as part of his work and his employer would be reviewing his position following the outcome of the hearing.

Taylor was fined £266 and disqualified from driving for 14 months.

He was ordered to pay costs of £85 and a £106 surcharge.