Leicestershire firefighter drove fire engine while disqualified

A Leicestershire firefighter has pleaded guilty to driving a fire engine while disqualified.

Shaun Tindall (31), of Carter Lane, Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, also admitted driving the fire engine without insurance.

Loughborough Magistrates Court heard yesterday that Tindall had driven four fire service colleagues from Melton fire station, where they were based, to a gym in Burton Road in the town, at 8.30am on December 3, last year.

Louise Cox, prosecuting, said “All the firefighters were dressed ready to deal with an emergency call.

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“While his colleagues went into the gym Tindall stayed in the fire engine with a watch manager in readiness to deal with any emergency calls.”

Miss Cox said Tindall told the watch manager that he had been in court the previous month, in November, on a drink-driving charge and was facing disqualification from driving as a result.

In a voluntary interview with police officers two days later Tindall admitted he had in fact had been banned from driving by the court in Mansfield on November 28.

She said he told officers his job as a firefighter was his livelihood and said he was previously of good character.

Defending, Jane Hinds said Tindall had long service as a firefighter and urged magistrates to consider a community punishment.

The court adjourned for sentencing this afternoon while probation reports are prepared.

Tindall was convicted of drink driving at Mansfield Magistrates Court on November 28.

He was banned for 17 months and offered a drink-driving rehabilitation course which, if completed, would reduce his ban by 18 weeks.

He was also fined £380, ordered to pay a £38 victim surcharge and costs of £85.

Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service launched a disciplinary investigation into the incident.