EX-SQUASH STAR TURNS TO ALCOHOL AND GETS BANNED FOR DRINK DRIVING WITH CHILD IN CAR
Simon Hepworth, a former professional squash player ranked 14th in Great Britain, turned to alcohol after suffering an injury that ended his squash career.He had no previous convictions or cautions but was arrested when police stopped him for driving under the influence with his 10-year-old daughter present in the car.
Hepworth admitted to drinking before driving, and a roadside test confirmed he was almost double the legal alcohol limit with 65 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath, exceeding the 35 microgrammes limit.
The police incident occurred on June 22 along Somerset Road in Almondbury.
He pleaded guilty to driving over the prescribed alcohol limit, was banned from driving for 18 months, fined £288, and ordered to pay court costs and a victim surcharge.
During the court proceedings, Hepworth expressed remorse, explained his life started to unravel after his career ended two years prior, and noted he was previously ranked 14th in Great Britain.
He was also coaching a junior squash team and working as a self-employed decorator.
Hepworth referred himself to an alcohol recovery service, having reduced his alcohol intake from 14 cans a day to four.
His lawyer highlighted his remorse and efforts to improve, amid personal difficulties like his father's bowel cancer diagnosis and estranged family relations, which contributed to his drinking problem.
