Adrian Hardman drink drive verdict: full court report

Adrian Hardman, aged 59, of Oak Lane, Bredon, admitted driving with excess alcohol when he appeared before a district judge at Cheltenham Magistrates Court today (Monday).

A letter from Hardman's wife also suggested that he was under 'a degree of personal pressure' at the time of his drink driving offence.

However, the fine detail of the letter was not discussed at the hearing and its contents were not read out in open court.

Dressed smartly in a dark suit, Hardman appeared at the court alone and seemed subdued and even sombre as he approached district judge Joti Boparai to present his licence to the court.

When the charge of driving with excess alcohol was read out to him by the clerk he answered in a loud, clear voice, "I plead guilty".

Rebecca Gardner, prosecuting, said Hardman had been stopped behind the wheel of his red Toyota Avensis in Bredon Road, Tewkesbury as part of a police drink drive campaign on December 22 last year at 7.45pm.

Hardman was the only person in the car at the time and a breath test revealed 58mcg of alcohol in 100ml of breath, more than one and a half times the drink drive limit of 35mcg.

Ina brief summary of the offence Miss Gardner told the court: "I can confirm he has no previous convictions."

Matthew Harbinson, representing Hardman, said: "There was nothing wrong with the standard of his driving. He was fully licensed and fully insured."

Hardman was also described a being co-operative with police at the roadside and later at the police station where the evidential sample was recorded.

Mr Harbinson said Hardman had no previous matters recorded against him whatsoever and had never been arrested before this matter.

He handed a letter to the court on Hardman's behalf from the Dean of Worcester and from Hardman's wife which providing extenuating circumstances.

The court was also told that the local member of Parliament had gone on the record saying Hardman 'did a fantastic job during his tenure'.

Mr Harbinson added: "Having concluded his council business for the day he went to a local public house. He made a miscalculation in relation to the volume of alcohol he drank.

"He did not feel his ability to drive was impaired. He made an error of judgement.

"He has done everything since the commission of this offence in a mature and responsible way as one would expect of someone holding a position such as this."

Mr Harbinson also told the court that Hardman's wife was of the view he was under 'a degree of personal pressure' which had been applied to 'a difficult and stressful public life'.

Hardman plans to continue his role as a councillor but admitted he was not sure how his colleagues would feel about that.

"He is a man of good character. There are no aggravating features in relation to the commission of the offence. He has shown genuine and sincere remorse."

However, Mr Harbinson acknowledged there was an 'added stigma' because of Hardman's position at the time. Hardman was also said by his solicitor to be 'surprised' by the breath reading.

"He is a thoroughly professional man who has dealt with this case in a very mature and responsible way. He has been a pleasure to represent.

"There was never any suggestion of him trying to find any form of legal loophole or avenue of escape" said Mr Harbinson.

District judge Joti Boparai gave Hardman credit for his early guilty plea and said: "I take into account you're a man of impeccable character previous to this matter.

"It is always regrettable when somebody in your position has to deal with the fallout from such a case.

"There are personal circumstances which did seem to add pressure on you, as well as the other commitments you had doing your council work."

Hardman was banned from driving for 16 months but will be entitled to a 25 per cent reduction in the length of the ban (121 days) if he completes a drink drive awareness course by November 16 this year.

He was fined £350, ordered to pay costs of £85 and a victim surcharge of £35.