Ex-West Midlands Police chief drank four ciders watching England match before crashing car

A former Assistant Police and Crime Commissioner for the West Midlands has been banned from the roads after drink driving and crashing his car.

Ashley Bertie said he consumed four pints of cider whilst watching an England match on Saturday 22 November.

He was later arrested and charged with drink-driving after a late-night single-vehicle crash on Warren Road in Oscott.

Mr Bertie caused significant damage to his Renault Megane after hitting the kerb and losing control on Warren Road in Oscott.

The 30-year-old remained at the scene and police could smell alcohol on him.

It later transpired he was more than twice over the alcohol driving limit.

On the way to the police station Mr Bertie questioned officers about what impact the offence would have on his employment and what the maximum sentence was, Birmingham Magistrates' Court heard.

Mr Bertie, from Stockland Green, is currently looking for work and will now struggle to pay his council tax, his lawyer said.

On Thursday, he pleaded guilty to drink driving.

He was banned from the roads for 18 months and fined £120.

The former West Midlands police chief also addressed the magistrates saying he was "deeply embarrassed" and apologised for taking up their time.

The crash occurred shortly after midnight on 22 November a few hours after England's goalless draw with the USA in the World Cup group stage the previous evening.

Prosecutor Ekene Pruce said: "Police received reports of a RTC (road traffic collision) and the road blocked by a Renault Megane.

"This car had damage to the front near side of the wheel, damage to the wheel arch and front near side wheel had been punctured. The fire service was at the scene and cut the battery from the vehicle to make it safe.

"Police were informed by one of the fire officers the driver of the vehicle was now sat in his friend's car on the other side of the road."

She told the court that Bertie identified himself to the officers. Ms Pruce added: "Mr Bertie confirmed he had been driving, had collided with the kerb which caused him to spin and caused damage to his car.

"The officer noticed a strong smell of alcohol coming from Mr Bertie. His eyes were glazed and bloodshot. He was unsteady on his feet and had slurred speech. Due to this he was arrested.

"Whilst being taken to custody he asked the officer what the maximum sentence would be for driving under the influence. He continued to ask questions about the impact of the charge on his employment status."

She confirmed Bertie produced a reading of 75 mircograms of alcohol per millilitres of breath - against the legal limit of 35 - and that in interview he said he had "four pints of cider while watching the England game".

Bertie had served as Assistant PCC between 2016 and 2020 under then-commissioner David Jamieson.

He also bid to succeed the late Labour MP for Erdington Jack Dromey but lost out to Paulette Hamilton.

His lawyer, who would only give his name as Mr Peterson, handed a number of references up to the bench.

He said: "They paint a very clear picture. One can summarise those by saying it's very sad that someone with such enormous potential, who has already served his community magnificently, finds himself involved in this."

Mr Peterson confirmed Bertie had resigned from his last employment, had "limited" savings but was in a position to pay a fine and would be seeking to find work in the new year.

He told the court his client would "struggle" to pay his bills, including his council tax among other "financial commitments" and added: "It will be difficult. It will be difficult also for his family who like the defendant is deeply ashamed of what has happened."

Bertie was also ordered to pay £135 court costs as well as £48 victim surcharge.

He accepted the offer of a drink driving course to reduce the length of his ban.

The Chair of the Bench said: "We have read all the letters which do make good reading of your good character. But I'm afraid with character comes responsibility. Drink driving can cause havoc in people's lives."

Before leaving the court Bertie addressed the magistrates and said: "I recognise the error I made. It is unforgiveable. 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 thankyou 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."

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