Mr Akehurst case - 1/5/19

Stephen Akehurst appeared before Colchester Magistrates on May 1st2019. Akehurst was said to have been driving whilst under the influence and driving a vehicle that wasn’t insured.

Akehurst was caught driving a white Vauxhall van while intoxicated near Hatfield Peverel in March 2019, he claimed the vehicle was his and cooperated with police officers by agreeing to be breathalysed.

Akehurst scored 87 prompting officers to carry out an arrest.

Natalie Anforth, prosecution, stated Akehurst has one previous conviction involving drink driving, which occurred in 2014.

Showing remorse for his actions, he stated: ‘There is no excuse for my actions’ he told the court he was a ‘recovering alcoholic’ and is currently signed off work for depression, alcoholism and mental health issues.

In addition, the defendant has attended a number of AA rehabilitation meetings and appointments for his mental health in the last 4 weeks and has been sober for 3 weeks.

With there being no defence in his case, he explained his personal circumstances with his ex-wife and current living situation.

The judge stated the readings were high but accepted Akehurst’s circumstances were ‘difficult’.

Akehurst was sentenced to 40-weeks disqualification from driving and was ordered to attend a rehabilitation course by 25/9/21.

Furthermore, the judge decided against seizing the vehicle as the defendant showed remorse for his actions.

A fine was issued to Mr Akehurst and was reduced by one third due to his guilty plea – total payments amounted to £235.

This case was interesting due to the fact the defendant’s plea resulting in the sentence being reduced for the driving ban and the amount of money Mr Akehurst was ordered to pay.

As a result of the guilty plea and the sentencing, this report has no reporting restrictions and everything that was said in the court room can be reported in any new report.

Due to the fact the case has finished, reporters can include information regarding any previous convictions as this will not be prejudicial for a future jury to hear.

EB