Shanklin Man Caught Drink Driving After Police Tip-Off
John Johnstone from Shanklin was stopped by police after a tip-off that he had been drinking and then jumped in his car, a court heard today.
Officers pulled him over on Hope Road and asked for a breath sample. When Johnstone failed the roadside test, he was arrested on the spot.
Over Limit at Newport Police Station
At Newport Police Station, Johnstone blew over the legal drink-drive limit. Barry Arnett, defending Johnstone, said his client was polite and fully cooperative throughout.
Johnstone suffers from heart problems and must attend regular hospital appointments. He also cares for his elderly, ailing wife.
Drunk Driving Guilty Plea and Penalties
Johnstone admitted he shouldn’t have driven after drinking. The court revealed he’s unemployed and relies on benefits alongside his partner.
This wasn’t his first offence—he had a past drink-drive conviction from the early 1990s.
Accepting his guilty plea, Isle of Wight Magistrates handed him a 12-month driving ban. He was also fined £190, covering court costs.
Good news for Johnstone: if he completes a drink-drive rehabilitation course by January, his ban will be cut by 13 weeks.
