Saunders: My terrible error
SAUNDERS APOLOGISES AS HE WINS APPEAL TO OVERTURN JAIL TERM
SHAMED former Newcastle United coach Dean Saunders has apologised for his “terrible error of judgment” after winning his appeal to overturn a jail sentence.
The 55-year-old former Liverpool striker said he hoped to learn from his experience and “become a better person” in a statement released after his hearing at Chester Crown Court.
He was jailed for 10 weeks on August 28 at Chester Magistrates’ Court after admitting failing to comply with a roadside breath test and failing to provide a breath specimen.
He had been pulled over by police in Chester city centre on May 10.
But a day later he was bailed until his appeal hearing on Friday, when his jail sentence was suspended for 18 months.
In a statement released through the League Managers Association (LMA), Saunders said: “I want to apologise to the court, my family and all of the people I have let down as a result of my actions.
“I made a terrible error of judgement for which I have been rightly punished, and I wholeheartedly regret that it happened.
“I accept that I have been given an opportunity by the court and I hope that people can learn from my experience. The message is a simple one – don’t ever drink and drive.
“I will learn from this and become a better person.”
Saunders was stopped in the early hours of May 10, telling officers he had only drunk “one pint”, but in footage of his arrest released by the authorities, he was told by one officer: “You can’t even stand up.”
The father-of-three had been pulled over in his Audi A8 for his “atrocious” driving – speeding, swerving over the white line and causing other vehicles to brake.
His speech was slurred and he smelled of alcohol.
Saunders was part of Graeme Souness’ backroom coaching team at St James’ Park when the Scot became manager in 2004.
He initially started out as a striker coach, before becoming first-team coach. Souness was sacked in 2006 and Saunders – along with the rest of the coaching staff – were replaced.
Saunders refused to give a breath specimen at the roadside and continued his “obstructive and evasive” behaviour at the police station, repeatedly refusing to give a specimen of breath.
Saunders sat in the dock with his head down at Chester Crown Court for his 90-minute appeal hearing.
Judge Steven Everett, Honorary Recorder of Chester, sitting with two magistrates, viewed the bodycam footage of the defendant at the police station following his arrest.
Saunders repeatedly told the officers he would only take a test after his solicitor arrived, adding: “Arrest me if you want.”
Judge Everett said he believed Saunders had “had a lot to drink” when stopped by police and “prevaricated” over taking a breath test before his solicitor arrived so the alcohol reading would be lower.
The court heard Saunders was now willing to carry out community service and the only other realistic option was serving a sentence in jail.
Judge Everett said the district judge had been right to jail Saunders but, because of his previous good character and the prospect of rehabilitation, meant he could suspend the sentence for 18 months. He also ordered Saunders to do 200 hours’ work in the community.
The ex-player’s 30-month driving ban remains.
Passing sentence, he added: “The sheer shame is going to live with you for the rest of your life. You should literally hang your head in shame by what you did. You have had your chance, I suggest you take it.”
Alistair Webster QC, representing Saunders, said: “It feels, when one looks at the man and his life, past this one evening, disproportionate and unnecessary.
“As he was walking into prison, people were shouting threats from the windows.
“He found conditions extremely unpleasant but the prison staff were good to him.
“It has been a very salutary lesson.”