Cricketer's drink-drive trial given green light

The drink-driving trial of England cricketer Graeme Swann will go ahead despite his solicitor arguing that a sample of blood used as evidence was unlawful, a district judge ruled.

Off-spinner Swann, who is with the England team contesting the Ashes series in Australia, was stopped by police in the West Bridgford area of Nottingham on April 2 and later charged with drink-driving.

At a previous hearing Nottingham Magistrates Court heard how he had enjoyed three or four glasses of white wine earlier in the evening to celebrate his birthday.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

When he returned to his 350,000 detached house in West Bridgford, Nottinghamshire, he found one of his and wife Sarah's two cats stuck under the floorboards.

He decided to drive his new white Porsche Cayenne to the nearest 24-hour Asda to buy a set of screwdrivers, the court heard.

At Nottingham Magistrates Court yesterday Swann's solicitor Phillip Lucas argued for no case to answer because he said that of two samples of blood taken from Swann on that night, it was the second that was analysed when the first was suitable for testing.

This meant that the second sample was unlawful because the first sample should always be used if suitable.

However, District Judge Julia Newton decided Swann's trial should go ahead. The case was adjourned until February 15.