A motorist in Cardiff has escaped prison time despite repeatedly breaking driving laws over the span of just a few months. Bhargav Ponna, a 28-year-old resident of Arran Street in Cathays, was initially disqualified from driving in August 2023 for driving under the influence of alcohol. However, just a day after receiving his sentence, he was caught drink-driving once again. This led to an extended driving ban of three years and a fine of £1,230 imposed on him in September of the same year. Despite these penalties, Ponna was found behind the wheel once more only four months later.
During a hearing at Cardiff Magistrates’ Court, prosecutor Katie Baldwin disclosed that Ponna was seen driving a Volkswagen Passat on Newport Road, Adamsdown, at 12:40 am on January 16. Subsequent checks confirmed that Ponna was prohibited from driving until September 2026. Ponna admitted to driving while disqualified and without insurance, explaining that he was borrowing a friend’s car to attend to his wife’s medical emergency as he could not insure the vehicle in his name. Presiding Justice Norman Craggs expressed concern over Ponna’s repeated violations and highlighted the possibility of imprisonment for future offences.
Court records revealed that Ponna’s initial drink-driving offence registered a breath alcohol level of 66mcg per 100ml, above the legal limit of 35mcg. His second offence, occurring just three weeks later, recorded a level of 45mcg. Despite the aggravating circumstances, Ponna’s probation officer recommended rehabilitation activities and unpaid work as an alternative to incarceration. Consequently, Mr. Craggs imposed an 18-month community order on Ponna, inclusive of 25 days of rehabilitation activity and 100 hours of unpaid work. Ponna was also directed to pay a victim services surcharge of £114 alongside prosecution costs of £85, with a monthly payment plan agreed upon for these sums. Additionally, a new driving ban extending until March 2027 was enforced, with a stark warning from Mr. Craggs that repeated offences could result in imprisonment.
Following the court proceedings, Ponna expressed regret over his actions, acknowledging his mistakes and citing his wife’s medical emergency as the reason for driving unlawfully. When questioned about his previous driving infractions, his response was simply “drink and drive,” offering no further elucidation. The series of events surrounding Ponna’s repeated driving offences underscore the importance of road safety and adherence to driving laws. The court’s decision to opt for a community order coupled with rehabilitative measures serves as a reminder of the repercussions of disregarding driving regulations.
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