One silly mistake cost me £50,000, says Newbury drink-driver
Jeremy Mann woke up in a police cell on his 35th birthday last year after getting behind the wheel after several celebratory pints with a friend.
After pleading guilty in court, he was given a 16-month driving ban, lost his £35,000 job as a sales representative, along with the company car, as well as his home and had to move into lodgings.
“Drink-driving has had a catastrophic impact on every part of my life - my job, my finances, my relationships and my independence,” he said.
“It’s been life changing and all for one stupid mistake.”
Mr Mann said he felt very alone and embarrassed after he was stopped by the police, placed in handcuffs and put in the back of a police van.
“It’s a birthday I’ll never forget but for all the wrong reasons. My judgment was impaired despite thinking early in the evening that I should leave my car and get a taxi.
“Waking up in a prison cell is the most devastating experience I have had, and having to tell people afterwards was horrible.
“My mum was devastated and my dad was disappointed but I’ve been lucky in that they and others have been very supportive.”
Jeremy says every area of his life has been affected, from carrying out simple tasks like taking his shopping home without a car, to not being able to afford Christmas presents for his family.
His chances of employment have also suffered owing to his criminal record.
“When you’re considering two candidates for a job and one has a criminal record, which would you choose?”
“I am now having to rebuild my life from scratch, all because of one small error of judgement getting behind the wheel and I’m now trying to self-generate work and grab the bull by the horns and get on with my life.”
The impact the conviction has had on Jeremy’s life has been so staggering he is now backing a new government campaign, ‘The £50,000 pint’, to highlight the financial consequences of drink driving.
The campaign was lauched after the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) calculated that the personal financial cost of drink-driving ranged between £20,000 and £50,000 after fines, legal costs, increases to insurance premiums and potential job losses were taken into account.
IAM chief executive, Simon Best, said: “The total personal cost of a drink driving conviction was a lot more than we expected, £50,000 is an awful lot to pay for just one more drink.
"The long-term impact on earnings can be serious if you factor in the stigma of a criminal record.”
More than 51,000 people were convicted of drink- or drug-driving in 2011 and Jeremy is now getting actively involved, appearing on national TV and raising £350 for the road safety charity Brake in the Reading half marathon in March.
He is also looking to run workshops in community groups and colleges in and around Newbury.
“I want to give a realistic view of what happens when you’re convicted. Anyone considering it needs to be aware of the impact it can have on every aspect of your life. The consequences are enormous.”
To arrange a workshop contact Jeremy on
