| A former West Midlands deputy police commissioner has been banned from driving after downing four ciders while watching an England match before crashing his car.
Ashley Bertie caused significant damage to his Renault Megane after hitting the kerb and losing control while more than twice over the drink-drive limit.
As he was being taken to the police station he asked officers what impact the offence would have on his employment, Birmingham Magistrates Court heard.
The 30-year-old served as Assistant Police and Crime Commissioner between 2016 and 2020, under then-commissioner David Jamieson. A key part of his role was to hold West Midlands Police chiefs to account, and Bertie would regularly grill the Chief Constable during public force meetings.
He also made a bid for Parliament earlier this year when he joined the race to succeed long-serving Labour Birmingham MP Jack Dromey following his death. But he lost out to Paulette Hamilton, who went on to be elected as MP for Birmingham Erdington.
Bertie told magistrates he was "deeply embarrassed" over what had happened. The court heard he had been drinking while watching England's World Cup match against USA.
When breathalysed, Bertie produced a reading of 75 mircograms of alcohol per millilitres of breath. The legal limit is 35.
He admitted it was "fortunate no-one was hurt" as he told magistrates: "I recognise the error I made. It is unforgivable. I am deeply embarrassed and ashamed of my actions. I totally understand the severity of my actions.
"It's fortunate no-one was hurt as a result. I would like to say thank you to the magistrates for their time and apologise. I understand you are under significant strain and resources are tight. I'm sorry for adding to your workload and burden this morning."
Bertie was banned from driving for 18 months and fined £120 after pleading guilty to drink-driving. He was also ordered to pay £135 court costs as well as £48 victim surcharge.
Born and bred in Kingstanding, Bertie was touted as a rising star in policing and politics when he became Assistant PCC at the age of just 24, the youngest ever deputy commissioner.
He was dubbed a "young people's champion" by then-commissioner Mr Jamieson, who hailed his work on gangs on youth violence when he quit the role in 2020.
Any future aspirations he held for Parliament may have taken a significant hit now he has a drink-driving conviction. |
