Ellen Whittaker Banned From Driving!!! OOOOps

Its probably more of a question of her ' chancing it' then realising its not worth the risk and on her way back Mr Plod caught her so she had to try and explain / justify what she's done.
 
Idiot girl. Like a lot of people (I hope!) I won't drink if I'm driving, its just not worth risking my life, other peoples lives or my license.
 
BBH said:
Drink driving can have catastrophic consequences so before anyone jumps on here and says we're being harsh because ' we're jealous'

No its not its because people can die.
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This,

A good friend of mine died after having a collision with a drunk driver. I don't care that she wasn't sure whether she was under the limit, she consummed alcohol, therefore she shouldn't have driven, end of.

Hope this makes her and others think twice before having a drink and getting behind the wheel.
 
There is no doubt she was stupid but I don't think that is a reason to take a pop at all showjumpers, as a couple on this thread have.
She'll suffer for this - probably in terms of sponsorship - which makes her doubly stupid.
 
Xander said:
There is no doubt she was stupid but I don't think that is a reason to take a pop at all showjumpers, as a couple on this thread have.
She'll suffer for this - probably in terms of sponsorship - which makes her doubly stupid.
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Actually I don't think she will tbh.

Also the BS don't worry either, they now have Alistair Stewart as an ambassador and he is a convicted drunk driver.
 
Wow! People do have some hatred for this woman on here don't they! In fact show jumpers in general seemingly - why?

Yep, she was beyond stupid getting behind the wheel and she was damn lucky nothing happened.

Sadly, too many people do drink and drive though - they nust don't all get caught and I am pretty sure amongst these people will be some from all walks of life and who take part in various different sports. What would this thread be like had this been a case of a well respected say dressage rider or eventer who was caught?

I hope all of those who are slating her think about it when they drive the day after a night of drinking cos it is quite easy to still be over the drink drive limit then still but do you consider that when you get behind the wheel to go to the stables the next morning? Maybe you're all teetotal, don't drive or get someone else to drive you but I would bet many don't really consider it.
 
ladyt25 said:
Wow! People do have some hatred for this woman on here don't they! In fact show jumpers in general seemingly - why?

Yep, she was beyond stupid getting behind the wheel and she was damn lucky nothing happened.

Sadly, too many people do drink and drive though - they nust don't all get caught and I am pretty sure amongst these people will be some from all walks of life and who take part in various different sports. What would this thread be like had this been a case of a well respected say dressage rider or eventer who was caught?

I hope all of those who are slating her think about it when they drive the day after a night of drinking cos it is quite easy to still be over the drink drive limit then still but do you consider that when you get behind the wheel to go to the stables the next morning? Maybe you're all teetotal, don't drive or get someone else to drive you but I would bet many don't really consider it.
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I fail to see how who she is or what her occupation is makes any difference to the 'bashing' she is getting on here. Any drink driver deserves to be publicly humilliated. EW has only been highlighted on this forum because its a horse forum and she rides horses, and not being picked on or hatred thrown her way because she is a SJ but because she is a convicted drink driver.

I strongly believe there is quite an easy rule of thumb to follow when consuming alcohol, if you drink, dont drive, whoever you are! and as ladyt25 said, strongly question how much you consumed the night before and what time you stopped drinking as to how much alcohol you have in your blood the following day.
 
daydreambeliever said:
I fail to see how who she is or what her occupation is makes any difference to the 'bashing' she is getting on here. Any drink driver deserves to be publicly humilliated. EW has only been highlighted on this forum because its a horse forum and she rides horses, and not being picked on or hatred thrown her way because she is a SJ but because she is a convicted drink driver.

I strongly believe there is quite an easy rule of thumb to follow when consuming alcohol, if you drink, dont drive, whoever you are! and as ladyt25 said, strongly question how much you consumed the night before and what time you stopped drinking as to how much alcohol you have in your blood the following day.
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Makes quite a bit of difference when much of the bashing is related to 'them showjumpers' :rolleyes:
 
BBH said:
Blimey I don't think SJing has had anything but bad press but I'd be happy to be put right.

Ellen Whittaker - drink driving
Michael Whittaker - drunken brawling
Ben Maher - Court case and shenanigans with groom in pub
Laura Renwick / Georgie ??? - Skanky pants
Laura Newman - horse theft

Recent episodes all in the media.

It would be great if the press concentrated on the fantastic achievements of our teams over the last couple of years rather than all this stuff that goes on behind the scenes.

We all know this stuff sells but it would be nice to have some balance.
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I think a couple of these are a bit unfair....Ben Maher was actually found not guilty of any wrong doing, I'm not a fan of his but Kathleen his wife is a proper lady and would not partake in any sort of pub brawl, it was all blown out of proportion by a sacked groom out for revenge.

Laura Renwick and Georgie Strang having a laugh nothing wrong with that !!!

and Laura Newman was not guilty of being involved in horse theft.
 
Its not a mistake to drink that much and then drive a big 4x4 on a public road, its just plain stupid. What if she had hit someone? Whats wrong with a hotel?
I like a drink once in a while, but i value other peoples safety and would never drive my car.
 
BBH said:
Actually I don't think she will tbh.

Also the BS don't worry either, they now have Alistair Stewart as an ambassador and he is a convicted drunk driver.
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Alastair is my boyfriends dad, He is one of the nicest people you'll ever meet and Ellen incident has nothing to do with him so its unnecessary for him to be brought up. While your posting all your comments bitching about people just remember, they are the sister/ dad/ mum/ brother/ friend etc of someone and they are more than likely to see it. You may be hiding behind a user name but slating people isn't fair, keep it to yourselves. Just because these people are well known and their private life gets published in newspapers doesn't mean they aren't human, they're exactly the same as everyone else and if you knew them well enough your views might be different. Also, those of you saying showjumping is getting bad publicity at the moment, that may be, but everyone makes mistakes, and your not giving it a great name, your giving it a label of bitchiness even more so that it already does. My point being if it was you, you wouldn't want everyone slating you for it. She made a mistake, as did the rest, and i bet she is kicking herself for it, but you dont need to rub salt in the wound. I dont condone drink driving at all but i think its about 1 in 5 people do it or have done it so its not like its never been done before.
 
abbie94 said:
Alastair is my boyfriends dad, He is one of the nicest people you'll ever meet and Ellen incident has nothing to do with him so its unnecessary for him to be brought up. While your posting all your comments bitching about people just remember, they are the sister/ dad/ mum/ brother/ friend etc of someone and they are more than likely to see it. You may be hiding behind a user name but slating people isn't fair, keep it to yourselves. Just because these people are well known and their private life gets published in newspapers doesn't mean they aren't human, they're exactly the same as everyone else and if you knew them well enough your views might be different. Also, those of you saying showjumping is getting bad publicity at the moment, that may be, but everyone makes mistakes, and your not giving it a great name, your giving it a label of bitchiness even more so that it already does. My point being if it was you, you wouldn't want everyone slating you for it. She made a mistake, as did the rest, and i bet she is kicking herself for it, but you dont need to rub salt in the wound. I dont condone drink driving at all but i think its about 1 in 5 people do it or have done it so its not like its never been done before.
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Very well said.

Too easy to hide behind a screen and mouth-off these days.
 
wonkey_donkey said:
Actually, this is not correct and anyone who is convicted in court will have their name, address and penalty published in the press local to that court (unless a minor) so it makes no difference if they are 'well known' or not.

I agree your particular relation should not be brought up as he is nothing to do with this post BUT if people don't want their conviction to be talked about due to having a sister/mum/dad etc then DONT DRINK AND DRIVE ...... simples.

Also, it is very easy to say it's just a mistake when you have been caught, try saying that to a sister/mum/dad etc who has been killed by a drink driver.

Rant over .............
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Your totally intitled to your opinion but when your drunk, the last thing their thinking of is not drink driving, especially if your an alcoholic... drink makes you do silly things. Also if it was any bob or larry they may get it in a newspaper but people wouldnt care
 
Also they wouldn't have it held against them for so long, Alastairs incident was years ago and now he doesn't drink at all because he knows he made a mistake, he has corrected it but people feel the need to still go on about it. Far worse things have been going on in showjumping recently that most of you wont know about and shouldn't be posted on here but I can bet if it was a bigger name, it would be everywhere.
 
I cannot believe anyone standing up for drink drivers.

This is not 'just a mistake' their actions could kill someone. Everyone knows drink impairs the ability to drive safely and yet knowing this some still choose to do it. And these aren't people who couldn't afford a taxi's or if you're on a night out with alcohol arrange a lift, book a hotel room whatever.

My point about SJing is that I find it a real shame that such a great sport is being tarnished by what seems like constant negative high profile media stories, only last week we had the mother faking her daughters health to con £20k out of wellwishers.

All very sad, bad episodes which cumulatively give the impression this is a sport dominated by reckless, feckless people because the media aren't interested in any achievements in the arena. A great shame and lets down all the grass roots people who take part.

FWIW this forum isn't anti showjumpers , look at the fantastic support Tim Stockdale has had following his injury. Thats because he is recognised and respected as a true ambassador for showjumping.
 
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I can not condone drink driving and never would. However it is easy for everyone to post how disgusted they are etc etc etc....

If every mistake you ever made in your early/mid twenties was reported in the national press, I'm sure we'd see that your not all so squeeky clean. Ellen made a mistake that COULD of had series consequences, it didn't. No doubt she has spent a night in a cell and will feel awfull that she was stupid enough to drive when over the limit. She has an 18 month ban and a fine issued by the magistrate on duty.

Why do the press (inc H&H) have to refer to which car she was driving? who her partner is?
 
I think everyone already knows who her fiance is regardless of his name being mentioned and what does it really matter that they mention the car she was driving? I like Ellen as a person and as a rider, but it's a really stupid thing to do. As for people saying the bad press is unfair... it's not going to get any easier seeing as she's marrying a Hollywood actor... the press will be all over things like this! I just hope she's learned from her actions. An 18 month ban will certainly make her regret it and I doubt she will ever do it again. But she should think herself lucky that there weren't worse consequences.
She made the decision sober (I would hope) to drive to the ball. Why the heck didn't she arrange to stay at a friends and get a taxi back with them, or stay in a hotel? or just not drink! Silly, silly girl.
And yet another statistic to give insurance companies a valid reason to not offer insurance to professional sportspeople... really not appreciating this kind of thing when my car insurance is up for renewal! :(
 
abbie94 said:
Alastair is my boyfriends dad, He is one of the nicest people you'll ever meet and Ellen incident has nothing to do with him so its unnecessary for him to be brought up. While your posting all your comments bitching about people just remember, they are the sister/ dad/ mum/ brother/ friend etc of someone and they are more than likely to see it. You may be hiding behind a user name but slating people isn't fair, keep it to yourselves. Just because these people are well known and their private life gets published in newspapers doesn't mean they aren't human, they're exactly the same as everyone else and if you knew them well enough your views might be different. Also, those of you saying showjumping is getting bad publicity at the moment, that may be, but everyone makes mistakes, and your not giving it a great name, your giving it a label of bitchiness even more so that it already does. My point being if it was you, you wouldn't want everyone slating you for it. She made a mistake, as did the rest, and i bet she is kicking herself for it, but you dont need to rub salt in the wound. I dont condone drink driving at all but i think its about 1 in 5 people do it or have done it so its not like its never been done before.
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Private people's names and details get published in the press before court. When they are accompanied by photos like the one above the surviving driver gets hate mail and phone calls. The driver of the car above was three times over the limit when he drove into my husband and daughter and damned nearly killed them as well as himself. I'm sure he too made a mistake when he started drinking after finishing work early and then carried on drinking from cans on his way home. I also doubt whether his family received any hate mail. However my family, the totally innocent parties, certainly did. My young daughter, who had survived the collision, had to put up with "Your dad killed someone" comments at school. So pardon me if I have no sympathy with someone who happily lives their life in the public eye and courts publicity has adverse comment made on their dangerous and illegal actions.

Had you though that perhaps if Alistair (who I have found to be a charming man) had made more of his conviction and the problems he could have caused (please see photo above, that man had two young familes and a further child on the way) perhaps more people like Ellen would think twice about drinking and driving.
 
I wish some people would educate themselves about the law and the reporting of court cases.

The names, addresses of defendants get read out in court and often the type of car they were driving for a motoring or drink driving offence. The press have a duty to report this.

Why should Joe Bloggs from Acacia Avenue, driving a Nissan Micra, have his details in the Backwardstown Weekly for being slightly over the limit (Go on, actually read your local paper, it will be full of cases like this), but not someone in the public eye?

I do wish people who have never set foot in a court (there's a thing called a public gallery in your local magistrate's court, go and listen and learn something) or can't be arsed to open a real newspaper, would stop gobbing off about the law and the media.

As we say around here, she was caught drink driving (as was my uncle, splashed all over the local paper, many times) 'tighten her'.
 
Also all of the information (her engagement, the price of a Range Rover) is in the public domain, reporting that is not a crime.

Be aware that rather than the court case being surrounded by hacks slavering like wolves, if you read the story you will see that it did not happen at the Old Bailey, the case was probably covered by a small number of local reporters and has been picked up by the Sun (large papers do keep an eye on small regional newspapers for stories) or the reporter who covered the case at magistrate's court works for a news syndication agency, of which the Sun may be a client.

Just for some people's information :)
 
Yes, everyone makes mistakes but when you are in the public eye you have an even bigger responsibility to make sure that you portray an image that reflects the realms of what is classed as acceptable. Although the lines of what behaviour is classed as acceptable may be a personal thing, I think this is one 'mistake' that is NEVER acceptable.

As for hiding behind a user name, i would be more than happy to say everything i have to say to Ellen's face.. in fact, to any drink drivers face, famous or not and convicted or not. This is a clear cut choice and she obviously went out with the intention of drink driving, i dont care how much alcohol affects your perception, I have driven to many places and got totally obliterated and not once have i had the thought to get in my car and drive because i know it is wrong and can cause so much irreparable damage and i have far too much respect for life.

I hope to god that she is made to read all this, she needs to be made to suffer and quite frankly deserves the bashing that she gets. i have never had an opinion on her before and i would have this opinion of anyone who was caught. And to come out with the utter garbage that she hadn't eaten first and had no idea how drunk she was is just patronising and quite frankly just makes the whole situation worse. As i write this i am getting so angry at the thought of this brainless, selfish act that i am actually shaking!!

I live locally to where this happened, i can tell you now, no amount of i didn't mean to would ever bring back a loved one and anyone that chooses to attempt to defend this act should sit and ponder the thought of just such a catastrophe happening in their life and then rethink their angle.

And as for them having to suffer the rest of their life from it... why they hell shouldn't they, a family left without a member or a person left mentally or physically damaged by a drink driver has to live with it so why the hell should these people be any different.

All of her sponsors would do well to reject her at this point so, for once in her life, she has to deal with the consequences and possibly even learn from her mistakes.
 
To me, who she is is secondary. Another person had a drink and then drove a vehicle on a highway. Stupid, stupid, stupid.

The repercussions to her will likely (and rightly) be considerable. I'm thankful she didn't physically injure anyone else.
 
Firstly, she was silly to get in the car in the first place, but secondly AFTER she'd driven and then thought she shouldn't be driving, she drove back to her friends house. If you're thinking you're not safe to drive, why continue to? She should've called someone to pick her up.
 
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