Nettlestone man crashed digger three-times over drink-drive limit

Dean Brett, of Priory Drive, Nettlestone, appeared before Isle of Wight magistrates on Tuesday (December 7).

The 45-year-old admitted drink driving a compact excavator in Nettlestone, on November 22, 2021.

Prosecutor, Ann Smout, told the court police had been called to the scene off Priory Drive, after someone reported seeing a person slumped at the wheel of a digger.

She said officers attended and Brett was found in the driver's seat, with the engine still running and the digger leaning into a hedge.

Mrs Smout said an empty bottle of wine was found in the vehicle, and when roused, Brett refused to leave and had to be removed by force.

Described as extremely incoherent and smelling of alcohol, the court heard Brett refused to provide a breath test but fully co-operated at the police station, registering a breath-alcohol reading of 126, when the legal limit is 35.

Mrs Smout said Brett told officers he'd been feeling down and drank a bottle and a half of wine, then thought it was a good idea to move the digger to the bottom of the road.

The court heard Brett thought he was driving on private land, misjudged the ditch, and the digger slipped into a hedge.

Barry Arnett, defending, said Brett was making his first appearance in court and was very remorseful.

He said the catalyst for his behaviour was the breakdown of his relationship with his wife of five years.

Mr Arnett said Brett's ex-partner had reduced the time he could see his two children, causing him to suffer with his mental health.

Mr Arnett said he decided to go into a field and drink.

Brett had no intention of driving on a main road and was only planning to drive a short distance.

Magistrates told Brett his breath-alcohol reading was incredibly high and the consequences could have been horrendous.

Brett was given a 12-month community order, to include 100 hours of unpaid work.

He was disqualified from driving for 29 months and ordered to pay costs of £85 and a £95 surcharge.