Former pub landlord from Belper is fined after failing to take drink-drive test

A former pub landlord has been fined for refusing to take a drink-drive breath test after he was spotted behind the wheel of a parked car and suspected of the driving offence.
Chesterfield magistrates' court.Chesterfield magistrates' court.
Chesterfield magistrates' court.

Chesterfield magistrates’ court heard on Wednesday, January 13, how Bryn Jones, 66, of Bown Close, Kilburn, Belper, was reported by a witness to police who believed he was under the influence of alcohol.

Prosecuting solicitor Rod Chapman said: “A member of the public observed Jones sat in a stationary car and the witness suspected he was under the influence of alcohol.

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“He persuaded Jones to leave the vehicle and the defendant went to the Grapes pub and the witness reported the matter to police who attended the pub.”

Jones identified himself to the police, according to Mr Chapman, and the defendant was arrested and was not co-operative as they took him to the police station.

Police stated that Jones’ speech was slurred and his eyes were glazed and when officers requested that he take a breath test he failed to provide any specimens.

Jones pleaded guilty to failing to provide a specimen for analysis after the incident on December 17.

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Defence solicitor Steve Brint said: “Mr Jones, who is a retired pub landlord, strongly disputes that he was ever going to drive the vehicle. He had driven to his sister’s wake and was parked a distance away from the pub because it has a small car park.

“At the wake he had lots of alcohol which was purchased for him to mark the passing of his sister.

“He doesn’t dispute drinking when police arrived but does dispute that he had had any drinks when he was in the car.”

Magistrates, who accepted Jones did not intend to drive the car, fined him £170 and ordered him to pay £85 costs and a £20 victim surcharge.

His licence was also endorsed with penalty points.