A LOTTERY millionaire was caught drink-driving after being shopped by his new luxurious Mercedes.
Father-of-three Kevin Jones, 58, downed cider earlier than taking his plush £51,000 motor for a rustic drive.
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However the automotive’s automated telematics system raised the alarm when Jones span off the street and crashed right into a stream.
Police referred to as to the scene discovered the automotive within the water – with Jones “unsteady on his toes” earlier than being breathalysed.
A court docket has now banned him from driving.
Jones had purchased his Mercedes C220 AMG, which robotically reported the accident on Might 15, after scooping £1,210,914 on the Folks’s Postcode lottery in January.
He was the one participant within the full profitable postcode in Llandrindod Wells, Powys in Wales. Every ticket was price £403,638 – however he fortunately purchased three.
The previous motor engineer, Britain’s greatest winner within the competitors, is now “retired and lives on his investments”, the magistrates court docket within the city was informed.
Prosecutor James Sprunks mentioned the automotive alerted police after Jones crashed by means of a bridge and landed in a stream at about 6pm.
The court docket heard Jones had drunk 4 or 5 cans of cider earlier and “thought he was high-quality to drive” to take his daughter dwelling from a household go to.
“Police obtained a Telematics name from the automotive speaking to the police station relating to an accident close to Llanbadarn Fynydd,” mentioned Mr Sprunks.
“An officer who was first on the scene spoke to the defendant who was the proprietor of the Mercedes.
“There was an grownup feminine passenger and the automotive had ended up in a river following a pointy offside bend.
“The defendant was unsteady on his toes and was slurring his phrases; the officer fashioned the opinion he was below the affect.
“A breath check was optimistic and he was arrested.”
Mr Sprunks mentioned Jones had 12 earlier convictions for 20 offences, together with various street visitors offences, with the final in 1995.
The alcohol studying supplied by Jones was 55 micrograms in breath – the authorized restrict is 35 micrograms.
Huw Williams, representing Jones, mentioned he had been driving his daughter dwelling to Newtown from Llandrindod at about 5.30pm when the accident occurred.
“He informed officers he had drunk about 4-5 cans of darkish fruits cider earlier that day, between 11am-12pm,” mentioned Mr Williams.
“He not often drinks however had just a few that morning. He actually didn’t assume he’d be over the restrict.”
He mentioned Jones was getting used to a brand new set of tyres on the plush Mercedes fitted with the high-tech GPS and wi-fi communications which robotically alerts on issues.
Mr Williams mentioned: “He got here spherical a nook and the again finish slid in direction of bridge. He couldn’t appropriate it and crashed by means of boundaries and into the brook. He suffered a slight concussion.”
Mr Williams mentioned Jones cooperated with police and informed them “I’m very sorry and thanks for doing job”.
“He’s ashamed and embarrassed,” added Mr Williams.
“He went again to see who he thought was the proprietor of the railings, a farmer, to make recompense.
“The farmer requested for a major quantity, however they’re not even his, however he’ll liaise with Powys County Council over cost.”
He added that Jones travels to take care of his aged dad and mom two to a few instances every week, in addition to to take care of his daughter.
Mr Williams added: “He’s retired and lives on his investments”, including that his weekly earnings is “vital”.
Kevin Jones’ lottery win
When he scooped the life-changing jackpot, Jones had no grand plans to splash the money.
He did plan to purchase a brand new automotive however mentioned he can be modest along with his choice.
Talking in February, the retired dad mentioned: “I just like the Audi A5 S.
“I used to be one on eBay costing £5,000 to £6,000. I’m not massive on the brand new ones.
“They sort of modified the form a wee bit. I would get a newish one now, although.”
He additionally mentioned he deliberate to maneuver right into a Sunny Haven Park caravan and had set his sights on a visit to the British Grand Prix at Silverstone to rejoice his 59th birthday.
Jones is an avid Liverpool FC supporter and could not anticipate his first journey to Anfield.
He additionally vowed to make use of his winnings to maintain his mom Theresa, 76, his youthful brother Alun, 57 and his sons and daughter aged 24, 26 and 30.
He mentioned: “I’ll get recommendation and put some cash into belief for them.
“I additionally need to assist my brother with some dwelling enhancements.
“My brother has all the time been there for me. He’s a rock to me.”
Magistrates banned Jones from driving for 14 months, which could be decreased by finishing a drink driving rehabilitation course.
He was fined £440 and informed to pay a £176 surcharge and £85 prices – Jones mentioned he would pay the complete quantity inside 28 days.
As he left the dock, Jones mentioned: “I’d identical to to say thanks and I’m genuinely very sorry.”
When he gained the lottery, Jones mentioned: “I used to be actually anticipating £1,000 and once they pulled out the ticket from the envelope and I noticed the primary three numbers, then I noticed the opposite three numbers – it completely blew me away.
“I’m nonetheless shocked, I don’t actually know find out how to really feel, it simply gained’t go in.”
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He mentioned he first deliberate to buy a automotive with the cash, in addition to happening a cruise across the Caribbean to get some sunshine.
On the time of January’s win he mentioned: “I want a automotive and I want to purchase a spot to stay in some unspecified time in the future.”
