Tiptree drink driver poured petrol in pub after being target of sick joke

It was New Year’s Eve and William Anderson, of Rosemary Court, Tiptree, had driven his mobility vehicle to the pub for a few drinks.

However, whilst he was inside drinking, some other punters decided it would be funny to move his scooter, which was stored outside, and put a child’s tricycle in its place.

Phillip Pearson, prosecuting, said Anderson became “incensed” with the trick which had been played on him.

“He needs his mobility scooter, he was very upset and a member of staff went outside to help sort it out,” he said.

“He left the premises and drove his mobility scooter home.

“He returned back to the pub in his motor vehicle and he goes in to the pub with a can of petrol and starts to pour it over the floor.”

Staff at the pub managed to stop Anderson in his tracks and he was kicked out of the establishment some time after midnight on New Year’s Day.

Mr Pearson continued: “He was in the process of driving home when the police were called. They spotted him on Station Road and he was stopped and arrested.

“He confirmed to a police officer he had been drinking and was fully co-operative with the police.”

Anderson was breath tested and found to have 71 mcgs of alcohol in 100 mls of breath. The legal limit is 35.

He admitted one charge of drink driving when he appeared at Colchester Magistrates’ Court yesterday.

The 56-year-old was also given a conditional caution for a separate charge of criminal damage by police around the time of his arrest.

Representing himself in court, Anderson, who has no previous convictions, apologised for losing his temper.

“I just don’t like being laughed at, it is a form of bullying to me,” he said.

“I have mental health problems and it got the better of me. I usually behave myself.”

Magistrates banned Anderson from driving for a period of 17 months.

He was also ordered to pay a fine of £120 as well as £85 in costs and a victim surcharge of £30.