Martin Winstanley, a 40-year-old father of two from Solihull, has quit drinking entirely after being caught drink-driving on the day of a family barbecue, a court heard.
On Sunday, June 7, Winstanley was pulled over by police on Lea Village, Birmingham, after officers observed him driving at excessive speed. During the stop, officers noted his glazed eyes and slow speech, signs of intoxication. A roadside breath test registered 50 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath, exceeding the legal limit by 9 micrograms.
Winstanley admitted to consuming alcohol earlier at a social gathering with friends and family. He pleaded guilty to drink-driving at Birmingham Magistrates Court on June 23 and received a 12-month driving ban alongside a fine totaling £837.
READ MORE: The Callous Truth Revealed: Paedophile Scout Leader Convicted for Abusing Boys in Birmingham
READ MORE: Major Reform: Rough Sleeping to Be Decriminalised in Birmingham and Across England and Wales
The court heard Winstanley, who works in sales and has no prior convictions, described the incident as a significant wake-up call. His solicitor highlighted his responsibilities, including working full-time, managing school runs, and assisting elderly parents with shopping and medical appointments.
Despite the drink-driving charge, Winstanley was not excessively over the limit, testing just over the legal threshold. His solicitor emphasized that the event was purely social, adding that Winstanley has now completely given up alcohol due to the stress caused by the conviction.
Outside the courtroom, Winstanley showed remorse, visibly upset about losing his driving licence. In addition to the driving ban and fine, he was ordered to pay court costs, bringing the total financial penalty to £837.