'I would like to apologise for my stupidity', court told (From Epsom Guardian)

'I would like to apologise for my stupidity', court told

4:16pm Monday 30th June 2008

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A courier from Streatham has been banned from driving for 15 months after he smashed his partner's car into a black cab while he was twice the legal drinking limit, not in possession of a full license or insurance.

On Saturday, June 14, Stephen Lillie, from Lewin Road, swerved one oncoming car and clipped a Transit van before ploughing into the Black Hackney Carriage opposite the County Arms in Trinity Road.

On Friday, South Western Magistrates' Court heard how the smash led to traffic being diverted down Heathfield Road while the damaged vehicles were removed.

Both the vehicle Lillie was driving and the black cab were written off.

When asked how his partner reacted to the news of her car being ruined, Lillie said: "She is not too pleased."

In his defence the 41-year-old said: "I would like to apologise for my stupidity. I could have not only taken my life but I could also have taken others. I deeply regret what happened."

The defendant also admitted that he expected a loss of earnings claim against him from the driver of the cab, who required treatment at the scene, but had so far received no personal injury claims.

Police stated that Lillie had shown remorse at the scene of the incident and had supplied a sample at Wandsworth police station with a reading of 60mg per 100ml of breath.

The father-of-two was handed a 15-month driving ban which can be reduced by three months on completion of a drink driving rehabilitation course by Christmas.

Lillie was ordered to pay £415, consisting of a £300 fine for the offences, a £15 victim surcharge, £70 court costs and £30 for driving uninsured.

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