URGENT UPDATE: A school taxi driver, Jonathan Drew, has been banned from driving for three years and fined £7,500 after being caught driving with over four times the legal alcohol limit while transporting students. This shocking incident occurred on February 12 in Bury St Edmunds.
At approximately 3:40 PM, Drew, 58, was on a school run when he crashed into another vehicle in a car park on Grove Road. The other driver, noticing Drew’s erratic behavior and a strong smell of alcohol, immediately called the police. Officers arrived promptly and breathalyzed Drew, recording a staggering 144 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath, far exceeding the legal limit.
Drew was subsequently arrested and taken to the Bury St Edmunds Police Investigation Centre, where a second test returned 124 mg/100ml, roughly 3.5 times the legal limit. He pleaded guilty to driving with excess alcohol on February 13.
PC Wayne Sturman from Suffolk Police’s Commercial Vehicle Unit expressed disbelief over the case, stating, “Drink-driving is incredibly dangerous, especially when you are that many times over the limit. But to then drive a taxi when you will be transporting children is reckless beyond belief.”
Drew’s actions have not only endangered lives but have now led to the loss of his livelihood. The court’s penalties serve as a stark warning to other drivers about the consequences of such reckless behavior. The police commended the quick actions of the citizen who intervened, preventing Drew from potentially causing further harm.
This developing story raises serious concerns about the safety of children in transport services. Authorities stress the importance of maintaining strict regulations for professional drivers, particularly those responsible for transporting minors.
As the community reacts to this alarming incident, the implications of Drew’s conviction will resonate beyond the courtroom. The message is clear: drinking and driving will not be tolerated, especially when the lives of children are at stake.
Stay tuned for more updates on this critical situation as it unfolds.
