Britain’s biggest ever Postcode Lottery winner crashes new Mercedes bought with his £1.2m jackpot during boozy day out
A LOTTERY millionaire was caught drink-driving when he was shopped by his new luxury Mercedes car.
Father-of-three Kevin Jones, 58, splashed out on the plush £51,000 Merc from his £1.2m jackpot – then downed cider before taking it for a country drive.
But the car’s automatic telematics system raised the alarm when Jones span off the road and crashed into a stream.
Police called to the scene found the car in the water – with Jones “unsteady on his feet” before being breathalysed.
And a court has now banned him from driving his plush Mercedes C220 AMG which automatically reported the accident on May 15.
Jones scooped £1.210,914 on the People’s Postcode lottery in January – Britain’s biggest winner in the competition.
He was the only player in the full winning postcode in Llandrindod Wells, Powys. Each ticket was worth £403,638 – but he luckily bought three.
The former motor engineer Jones is now “retired and lives on his investments”, the magistrates court in the town was told.
Prosecutor James Sprunks said the car alerted police after Jones crashed through a bridge and landed in a stream at about 6pm.
The court heard Jones had drunk four or five cans of cider earlier and “thought he was fine to drive” to take his daughter home from a family visit.
“Police received a Telematics call from the car talking to the police station regarding an accident near Llanbadarn Fynydd,” said Mr Sprunks.
“An officer who was first on the scene spoke to the defendant who was the owner of the Mercedes.
“There was an adult female passenger and the car had ended up in a river following a sharp offside bend.
“The defendant was unsteady on his feet and was slurring his words; the officer formed the opinion he was under the influence.
“A breath test was positive and he was arrested.”
Mr Sprunks said Jones had 12 previous convictions for 20 offences, including a number of road traffic offences, with the last in 1995.
The alcohol reading provided by Jones was 55 micrograms in breath – the legal limit is 35 micrograms.
Huw Williams, representing Jones, said he had been driving his daughter home to Newtown from Llandrindod at about 5.30pm when the accident happened.
“He told officers he had drunk about 4-5 cans of dark fruits cider earlier that day, between 11am-12pm,” said Mr Williams.
“He rarely drinks but had a few that morning. He honestly didn’t think he’d be over the limit.”
He said Jones was getting used to a new set of tyres on the plush Mercedes fitted with the high-tech GPS and wireless communications which automatically alerts on problems.
Mr Williams said: “He came round a corner and the back end slid towards bridge. He couldn’t correct it and crashed through barriers and into the brook. He suffered a slight concussion.”
Mr Williams said Jones cooperated with police and told them “I am very sorry and thank you for doing a good job”.
“He is ashamed and embarrassed,” added Mr Williams.
“He went back to see who he thought was the owner of the railings, a farmer, to make recompense.
“The farmer asked for a significant amount, but they’re not even his, but he will liaise with Powys County Council over payment.”
Kevin's plans to splash the cash
Kevin had no grand plans to splash his cash and instead said he was going to move into a Sunny Haven Park caravan.
The unemployed dad, who suffers from emphysema and sleep apnoea, said in February: “I’ve been dreaming about the chalets for a long time.
“Every time I pass the place, I imagine living there. It’s nice and quiet and I’m sure the people would be really friendly.
“I’ve always loved my garden and, since I’ve been here, I’ve not had one. That would give me one again. Now my dream can come true.”
That’s not the only purchase Kevin was hoping to make, with the millionaire Brit setting his sights on a trip to the British Grand Prix at Silverstone to celebrate his 59th birthday.
“I’d rather go to a Grand Prix at Silverstone rather than anywhere else,” the F1 fan said.
Kevin also plans on purchasing a new motor but admits he will be modest with his selection.
“I like the Audi A5 S,” he said.
“I was looking at one on eBay costing £5,000 to £6,000. I’m not big on the new ones.
“They kind of changed the shape a wee bit. I might get a newish one now, though.”
Kevin is an avid Liverpool FC supporter and couldn’t wait for his first trip to Anfield.
He also vowed to use his winnings to take care of his mother Theresa, 76, and his younger brother Alun, 57.
Kevin is the dad to two sons, aged 26 and 24, and has a 30-year-old daughter who is pregnant with his fourth grandchild.
He said: “I’ll get advice and put some money into trust for them.
“I also want to help my brother with some home improvements.
“My brother has always been there for me. He’s a rock to me.”
He added that Jones travels to look after his elderly parents two to three times a week, as well as to look after his daughter.
Mr Williams added: “He is retired and lives on his investments”, adding that his weekly income is “significant”.
Magistrates banned Jones from driving for 14 months, which can be reduced by completing a drink driving rehabilitation course.
He was fined £440 and told to pay a £176 surcharge and £85 costs – Jones said he would pay the full amount within 28 days.
As he left the dock, Jones said: “I’d just like to say thank you and I’m genuinely very sorry.”
When he won the lottery, Jones said: “I was honestly expecting £1,000 and when they pulled out the ticket from the envelope and I saw the first three numbers, then I saw the other three numbers – it totally blew me away.
“I’m still shocked, I don’t really know how to feel, it just won’t go in.”
He said he first plans to purchase a car with the money, as well as going on a cruise around the Caribbean to get some sunshine.
At the time of January’s win he said: “I need a car and I need to buy a place to live at some point.”