[A] LAKE District drink-driver handed a motoring ban after leading police on a dangerous pursuit has failed in a bid to have his licence returned early.
Robert Fogarty, a former Royal Marine reservist, was jailed in 2015 for criminal conduct which occurred after a charity trek in the Lakes.
After drinking beer, Fogarty got behind the wheel of his Porsche. He was spotted by police as he drove the wrong way down a one-way street in Ambleside.
An officer attempted to stop and speak to Fogarty, who drove off. He reached high speeds, including 70mph in a 40mph zone at Grasmere, before losing control of his car, which hit a wall.
He later admitted charges of drink-driving – he was almost double the legal limit – along with dangerous driving and having no licence. This followed a previous excess alcohol conviction.
Fogarty was jailed for six-months at Carlisle Crown Court in 2015, and handed a three-year driving ban.
He returned to court today (FRI), and applied for the early ending of his disqualification.
Giving evidence, Fogarty cited exceptional family reasons. He also worked for charities assisting other Armed Forces veterans, and hoped to gain employment which would require him to drive.
Judge Barbara Forrester also heard Fogarty, of Broad Street, Warwick, had not consumed alcohol in months and now took a dim view of drink-driving.
But Judge Forrester rejected the application, concluding his driving ban “must remain in its entirety.”
