Drink Driver Given Stern Dressing-Down for "Outrageous" Excuse

Strategic Insights -

A district judge delivered a sharp rebuke to a 49-year-old Isle of Wight man who claimed his weekend off work as a builder was the reason for his drink driving. Mark Condon, admitted to consuming a couple of cans of lager after an argument with his partner, and registered a breath-alcohol reading of 71, more than twice the legal limit.

Judge Anthony Calloway condemned Condon's excuse, saying it was "outrageous" and "total nonsense". The judge reminded Condon that parents had lost children due to drink drivers, and handed down a sentence of £850 in fines, 18 months' disqualification from driving, and £175 in costs.

Key Takeaways:

  • Mark Condon, a 49-year-old builder, was fined £850 and disqualified from driving for 18 months for drink driving on May 18.
  • Condon registered a breath-alcohol reading of 71, more than twice the legal limit of 35.
  • Judge Anthony Calloway gave Condon a stern dressing-down for his excuse, calling it "outrageous" and "total nonsense".
  • Condon's excuse was that it was a Sunday, his weekend off work, which the judge deemed irrelevant to his actions.
  • Condon was ordered to pay costs of £175, including a victim surcharge.
  • The judge highlighted the seriousness of drink driving, referencing the loss of children due to such incidents.

Statistics:

  • Breath-alcohol reading: 71
  • Legal limit: 35
  • Fines: £850
  • Disqualification period: 18 months
  • Costs: £175
  • Victim surcharge: £85

Sources:

  • "Isle of Wight Magistrates' Court"
  • "Lauren McConnell, Prosecutor"
  • "Police spent four hours negotiating with drunk man in clifftop crisis"
  • "Judge Anthony Calloway"
  • "Mark Condon, Self-Represented"