Judge apologises as he jails lying drink-driver – but says punishment must send message to others
A judge apologised for jailing a Telford man who lied to police when caught drink driving – but said people must go to prison for perverting the course of justice.
Judge Anthony Lowe made the remarks when sentencing Jamie Sivill, of St George's Avenue, St George's, at Shrewsbury Crown Court.
Sivill, 34, had admitted four charges – all relating to an incident on the morning of September 26 last year when he gave a friend's name and date of birth instead of his own.
They were drink-driving, using a motor vehicle without insurance, driving without a licence and perverting the course of justice.
Mary Jacobson, prosecuting, told the court that Sivill had been stopped by police while driving a Suzuki Alto in Telford.
Due to the smell of alcohol on his breath, officers carried out a roadside test and Sivill was found to be over the limit.
Ms Jacobson told the court: "At that stage he was asked for his name and details. He said his name was Jason Corbett, and gave a date of birth in 1989."
She said Sivill was arrested and taken to the police station where he again confirmed those details – telling officers he was Mr Corbett.
While he was detained, officers carried out a further test and Sivill was found to have 43 microgrammes of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath – the legal limit is 35.
