URGENT UPDATE: A school taxi driver has been banned from driving for three years and fined £7,500 after being caught behind the wheel with a blood alcohol level more than four times the legal limit. Jonathan Drew, 58, from Upper Road, Little Cornard, was involved in a shocking incident on February 12 in Bury St Edmunds at approximately 3:40 PM.
Drew was on a school run when he collided with another vehicle while attempting to enter a car park on Grove Road. After the crash, the other driver noticed a strong smell of alcohol and promptly contacted the police, blocking Drew’s taxi to prevent him from fleeing the scene.
Upon arrival, police conducted a breathalyzer test revealing a staggering reading of 144 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath, which is over four times the legal limit. Drew was subsequently arrested and taken to Bury St Edmunds Police Investigation Centre, where a second test confirmed a reading of 124 mg/100ml, approximately 3.5 times the legal threshold.
At Suffolk Magistrates’ Court on February 27, Drew pleaded guilty to driving with excess alcohol. The court not only imposed a hefty fine but also mandated a victim surcharge of £2,000 along with £85 in costs.
PC Wayne Sturman from Suffolk Police’s Commercial Vehicle Unit expressed disbelief over Drew’s reckless behavior, stating,
“Drink-driving is incredibly dangerous, especially when you are that many times over the limit. But to then drive a taxi when you will be transporting children is reckless beyond belief.”
Authorities are praising the quick actions of the concerned driver who intervened and called the police. The ramifications for Drew are significant; he has lost his livelihood as a taxi driver, serving as a stark reminder of the dangers of impaired driving.
This case serves as a critical warning to all drivers about the severe consequences of drinking and driving, particularly those in positions of public trust. The community is urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious behavior to prevent such dangerous incidents in the future.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story as law enforcement continues to address issues of drink-driving in the area.
