Man Who Got Behind The Wheel After Drinking Was Contemplating Suicide

DRINK-driver Kevin Garner was contemplating suicide when he drove away from his home in the early hours. Natalie Garner called the police to warn officers that Garner had been drinking before he got behind the wheel of his white Vauxhall car, and within m

DRINK-driver Kevin Garner was contemplating suicide when he drove away from his home in the early hours.

Natalie Garner called the police to warn officers that Garner had been drinking before he got behind the wheel of his white Vauxhall car, and within minutes 49-year-old Garner was tracked down to a Main Drove at Little Downham.

"Police received a call at 3.39am on May 5 to say there had been an argument, and Kevin Garner left home after drinking heavily," prosecutor Sally Hickling told Ely magistrates.

"At 4am police found the car, Garner was approached and he failed a breath test. He later gave a test reading of 53 mcgs of alcohol in 100 mls of breath." The legal limit is 35 mcgs.

In a statement to the police, Garner, of Meadow Court, Littleport, said he had previously been drinking whisky at home .

"He left in the car and went to Main Drove, he was contemplating suicide but was not brave enough to do it," added Ms Hickling. "He was very emotional when spoken to by officers."

Representing himself at Ely courthouse, Garner said: "I can only apologise for my actions. My wife and I are working on it, it is work in progress, I hope."

The self employed coving and artex installer was banned from driving for a year and fined �100. He must pay costs and a surcharge totalling another �75.