Suspended sentence for uninsured Hungerford drink-driver

AN uninsured drink-driver who took a car without consent and damaged it has narrowly avoided an immediate prison sentence.

Ethan Martin-Jones appeared in the dock for sentencing at Reading Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, February 19.

The 21-year-old, of Combe View, Hungerford, admitted taking a grey Volkswagen Polo without the owner’s consent and damaging it.

He further admitted driving after drinking more than the legal limit.

Tests showed 54mcg of alcohol per 100ml of breath in his system.

The legal limit is 35mcg.

Mr Martin-Jones also admitted driving without insurance and driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence.

All the offences were committed in Hungerford on August 27 last year.

Mr Clarke, who was legally represented by Gianpaolo Damiani, was sentenced to 10 weeks imprisonment.

However, district judge Samuel Goozee suspended this for one year.

He said a custodial sentence, albeit suspended, was necessary because of Mr Martin-Jones’ record of previous convictions.

In addition, Mr Martin-Jones was ordered to pay £85 costs, plus a statutory victim services surcharge.

Finally, he was banned from driving for 14 months.