Motorist who refused breath test three times told he faces prison

A nuisance motorist who refused to take a breath test for the third time in recent months, has been told he could face jail.

Ted Dennington, 57, of John Woodhead Court, Mansfield, admitted a charge of failing to provide a specimen, and assaulting a police officer.

However, the magistrates at Mansfield were told that Dennington had been given 10 penalty points on his licence in December for refusing a breath test, and was also waiting to appear at Grimsby Magistrates’ Court for an identical charge.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The magistrates in Mansfield were told how there had been an accident near to the Halfords shop on Nottingham Road on February 13.

Although it was accepted not to be Dennington’s fault after another car ran a red light, he was described as being drunk.

The police later caught up with him, realised he was drunk and tried to put the handcuffs on him when he became abusive.

He then turned violent and lashed out at one officer, elbowing him in the side of the head.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

He was eventually detained and taken to the police station where he refused a test.

Mitigating, Chris Perry said that his client’s violent actions were born out of frustration because the crash had not been his fault.

But in reference to the charge being his third refusal, Mr Perry said: “There’s an indication he is making bad decisions and I would like all matters to be dealt with at the same time.

“The prime focus is how to stope him committing this offence in the future.”

Dennington is now due to re-appear at Mansfield Magistrates’ Court on March 30 for sentencing.

An interim ban has been put in place and his licence was taken off him.

Related topics: