Dean Saunders wins appeal against jail sentence for failing to take breath test after 'drink-drive' stop

Katy Clifton4 October 2019
WEST END FINAL

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Ex-Liverpool striker Dean Saunders has won his appeal against a jail sentence for failing to take a breath test after being stopped by police on suspicion of drink-driving.

The 55-year-old was jailed for 10 weeks in August after admitting failing to comply with a roadside breath test and failing to provide a breath specimen.

He had been stopped by police for "atrocious" driving in Chester city centre on May 10 after spending a day at the races.

Officers who arrested the pundit told the ex-Wales international: "You can't even stand up."

Saunders spent just one day in custody and was given bail after his lawyers launched an appeal against his sentence at a private hearing at Chester Crown Court.

On Friday, Judge Steven Everett, Honorary Recorder of Chester, quashed the immediate jail sentence and instead suspended the 10-week prison sentence for 18 months.

Saunders, who played for Aston Villa and Derby County, was also ordered to do 200 hours unpaid work in the community. His 30-month road ban remains.

In a statement released by the League Managers Association, Saunders said: “I want to apologise to the court, my family and all of the people I have let down as a result of my actions.

“I made a terrible error of judgment for which I have been rightly punished, and I wholeheartedly regret that it happened.

"I accept that I have been given an opportunity by the court and I hope that people can learn from my experience. The message is a simple one – don’t ever drink and drive.

“I will learn from this and become a better person. I would like to thank everyone who has given me support and guidance throughout this time.”

The Crown Prosecution Service released footage of Saunders being stopped in his Audi A8.

A video of his subsequent arrest and refusal to give a sample at the police station was also released.

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