Isle of Wight Ford Transit drink driver gave officer pat on the butt

David Robert Frampton, of Sydney Close, Newport, admitted drink-driving and assaulting an emergency worker, namely a police officer, by beating, in the execution of his duty, on May 25.

Frampton was serving two years' probation for harrassment at the time.

At 6.45pm, police received photos and a report about Frampton staggering to his Ford Transit van and driving on Medina Avenue, Newport, said Liz Miller, prosecuting, at the Isle of Wight Magistrates' Court.

At 7pm, Frampton returned briefly, then drove off again as a PCSO arrived.

On seeing the PCSO, Frampton stopped, left the van and was halted by the officer as he tried to walk away. 

At Newport Police Station, Frampton pats the arresting officer's bottom, an assault, said Miss Miller.

Frampton gave a breath-alcohol reading of 92 microgrammes. The legal limit is 35.

In April 2021, Frampton was banned for 20 months for drink driving.

For Frampton, Oscar Vincent said: "The force used was a single pat on the bottom. The assault was at the bottom end of the very bottom of the scale of seriousness."

Mr Vincent said Frampton, who claimed he had not drunk in two years, met a friend in a pub and drank for some time — but things broke down between them.

"It left him shocked and distressed. Foolishly, he drove home," explained Mr Vincent.

Regarding the assault, Frampton claimed he tried to pass by the officer through a narrow gap where his breath test was to take place, placing his hand on what he believed was his back to pass by him.

Frampton apologised, hoping it had not made the officer feel uncomfortable.

Mr Vincent said a driving ban was catastrophic because his client's building business would fold and that he does voluntary work.

Frampton was banned from driving for three years, with a year's probation, to include 150 hours' unpaid work, costs of £85 and a £114 surcharge.