Ex-BBC Breakfast exec drove to ex-boyfriend's house to help him while nearly three times over drink drive limit

A former BBC Breakfast executive has been banned from driving for two years after drink driving nearly three times over the limit.

Jessica Shiddell failed a breathalyser test after the Renault Captur she was driving rolled onto its side after she crashed into a parked car on August 20 last year. 41-year-old Shiddell was on her way to help an ex-boyfriend.

Further tests showed that Shiddell, who worked as an assistant editor with BBC Breakfast when anchorman Bill Turnbull was presenting, had 215 milligrams of alcohol in 100 millilitres of her blood. The legal limit in England is 80mg.

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A hearing at Manchester Magistrates Court last Friday (March 4) heard Shiddell, of Manley Road, Chorlton, admitted drink driving and was banned from driving for two years and handed a community order. She has been made redundant by the BBC, the court also heard.

Prosecutor Gareth Hughes said: “The police were alerted to a road traffic accident shortly before midnight on 20th August 2021. Officers attended the scene and by then the ambulance and fire service were present.

''The Renault Captur involved in the collision had been driven by the defendant when it collided with a parked car which had rolled over onto its side and roof. Officers spoke with the defendant, and they could smell alcohol on her breath and other signs of intoxication.

''She conducted a breath test at the roadside, and it came back positive. There was significant damage caused. Due to potential injuries, the defendant was taken to hospital.

"She was de-arrested and gave blood at the hospital. The lowest reading was 215 milligrams in blood. She has no previous convictions or cautions.”

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