Court Reveals Details of Council Leader’s Drink-Driving Conviction

Published on: 14 May, 2013
Updated on: 16 May, 2013

Cllr Mansbridge in his councillor robe at last year's

Cllr Mansbridge in his councillor’s robe at last October’s judiciary church service.

Borough Council leader Stephen Mansbridge, who was convicted of drink driving at Guildford Magistrates’ Court on April 30, was found to have 97 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath, according to information released by the court this morning (May 14). The legal limit is 35 microgrammes.

Mr Mansbridge, 51, who lives in Tongham, pleaded guilty to the charge. He received a three and a half year driving ban and a £1,665 fine. His punishment was increased because of an earlier offence for which he was convicted nine years ago. The chairman of the magistrates, James Barber, also ordered Cllr Mansbridge to pay £87 in court costs and a surcharge of £120.

According to the drinkaware website anyone caught over the legal alcohol limit when driving will be banned from driving for at least 12 months, and fined up to £5,000. A convicted person can also be sent to prison for up to six months imprisonment.

The period of disqualification and size of fine depend on the seriousness of the offence. If someone is caught drink driving more than once in a 10-year period, they will be banned for at least three years.

One in 25 people are believed to have a drink-drive conviction in the UK.

The Conservative Group at Guildford Borough Council is expected to discuss Cllr Mansbridge’s future as its leader at a scheduled meeting on Thursday evening, May 16. He said, during a contrite interview on Eagle Radio 96.4 yesterday, that he had offered his resignation but had been advised to wait and not rush into any decision.

During the interview he said: “I don’t want to be selfish and resign, if the majority don’t want me to resign but if they do then I will do so without any question whatsoever.”