Drink-driver cheats prison after smash
NIGHTCLUB bouncer Jackie Bedingfield was almost twice the drink-drive limit when she wrote off her former partner's car by crashing into a wall.
The 33-year-old had taken Linda Clarke's car without permission and then crashed it.
Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court heard yesterday that the two women had been in a relationship until October and had remained friends.
In March, Miss Clarke left her car at the defendant's house in Dividy Road, Bentilee, and they went out in Hanley, including a visit to Pink, where Bedingfield is head of door staff.
Philip Beardwell, prosecuting, said: "At 2am, the defendant became argumentative. A confrontation ensued between her and Miss Clarke.
"Staff at the club separated them and Miss Clarke decided to go home.
"At 5.30am, a householder in Cellarhead was woken by the sound of a crash.
"Damage was caused to a dry stone wall and Miss Clarke's car was heavily damaged. The householder spoke to the defendant, who claimed she had swerved to avoid a badger."
Bedingfield gave a breath test reading of 65mg of alcohol in 100ml of breath – the legal limit is 35.
Bedingfield admitted aggravated vehicle taking and drink-driving.
Mark Bromley, defending, said the insurance had paid out for Miss Clarke's car in full.
"There was a disagreement," he said. "She returned home and made a foolish decision to try to speak to the complainant to iron things out. She should have done that the following day, but did not. She drove the complainant's vehicle and was involved in the collision."
The court heard Bedingfield may not be able to renew her bouncer's licence when it expires in 2012 because of these convictions.
Judge Robert Trevor-Jones gave Bedingfield a six-month prison sentence, suspended for 18 months, with 120 hours unpaid work and 12 months' supervision. He banned her from driving for two years and ordered her to pay £480 compensation for the wall and £722 prosecution costs.
He told Bedingfield: "You made a stupid and very dangerous decision.
"You weren't in proper control of that car and it is fortunate no-one was injured."
3 Comments
by Stephen, Bristol
Sunday, July 26 2009, 4:14PM
“What a strange headline In what way has she 'cheated prison'? The sentence seems in line with normal practice
Everyone is entitled to their opinion as to when an offender should be sent to prison. However, people should remember the following:
a) Everyone breaks the criminal law at some point in their life. All motorists do. So has any one was given too much change in a shop and keeps it
b) England and Wales imprisons more of its citizens per head of the population (and for longer periods) than almost any other country i Western Europe”
by alexbarmy, waterhays village
Saturday, July 25 2009, 2:08PM
“Tell thatto people who speed and get caught by cameras - they seem to think that they are the victims.”
by Paul, Newcastle
Saturday, July 25 2009, 11:11AM
“Drink driving is a crime! anyone & everyone that breaks that LAW Should go to Prison.”