A drink driver has been publicly reprimanded by a magistrate after he forced the delay of his own sentencing by turning up to court while drunk.
Court Appearance While Intoxicated
Neil Horner, 49, was scheduled to be sentenced for driving a blue Mitsubishi in Shanklin, Isle of Wight, while nearly four times the legal alcohol limit. However, the proceedings at the Isle of Wight Magistrates' Court could not go ahead because Horner himself appeared in an intoxicated state.
Chair of the Magistrates' Bench, Jan Routledge, directly addressed Horner's condition in court. She stated that it was clear he did not fully grasp the situation due to his drinking. The court had no choice but to adjourn the case.
Legal Limits and Previous Charges
Horner had previously admitted to the drink-driving offence, which occurred in July. A breath test revealed he had 128 microgrammes of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath. The legal limit in England and Wales is 35 microgrammes, making Horner's reading significantly over the threshold.
On the same day in July, Horner also admitted to two charges of assault by beating. As part of the conditions for these offences, he was banned from entering a specific nursing home.
A Final Warning from the Magistrate
Magistrate Jan Routledge set a new sentencing date for 9.30am on December 12. She delivered a clear and unambiguous ultimatum to Horner, demanding that he appear for his next hearing sober.
Routledge issued a stern warning, stating that if Horner turns up drunk next time, he will be held in contempt of court. This charge can result in immediate fines or even imprisonment, adding further potential consequences to his existing legal troubles.
