A driving instructor has been sentenced after being caught on camera in a shocking incident where he crashed his car into a ditch while heavily intoxicated. Timothy Howells, 54, from Carmarthenshire, was on his way to collect a pupil for a lesson when his VW Polo learner vehicle veered off the road.
Crash on the A484
The incident occurred on February 20 on the A484 between Pembrey and Kidwelly in West Wales. Howells was found to be four times over the legal drinking limit, leading to his arrest by police on suspicion of drink driving. Passing motorists witnessed the aftermath, with one filming Howells as he peered out of the open driver's side window from the ditch.
Motorists' Reactions
In the footage, one passerby shouted, 'Plenty to drink last night or what? You can't park there mate.' Another driver commented in a separate video, 'Just a reminder now, you don't want to have driving lessons off this guy.' These recordings highlighted the public's concern over the safety implications of the incident.
Court Proceedings and Sentence
Howells appeared at Llanelli Magistrates' Court, where he was given an eight-week prison sentence, suspended for 18 months, and banned from driving for 30 months. A police spokesperson confirmed that while in custody, Howells provided a second evidential breath test reading of 132 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath, which is four times the legal limit of 35 micrograms.
Police Statement
Chef Inspector Christina Fraser emphasised the seriousness of the case, stating, 'Mr Howells was operating in a position of great trust and responsibility; Roads Policing officers have worked quickly in conjunction with colleagues, CPS and the DVSA, to ensure learner drivers and other road users have been safeguarded from an individual who presented a serious risk of harm.' This underscores the broader efforts to maintain road safety and hold professionals accountable.
Background on Red Driving School
According to its website, Red Driving School is 'the largest trainer of driving instructors in the UK, having trained over 10,000 people to reach full ADI qualification.' The company was named the national driving school of the year for 2021. It notes that nearly all driving instructors in the UK are self-employed, whether as part of a franchised national school or as independents. Red Driving School has declined to comment on this specific incident, highlighting the autonomous nature of instructors within such organisations.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of drink driving, particularly for those in positions of responsibility like driving instructors. The legal consequences and public scrutiny underscore the importance of adhering to road safety laws to protect all road users.
