AN EVESHAM headteacher has been suspended after being banned from driving for 17 months after being caught behind the wheel over the drink drive limit.
David Coaché, executive head at Bengeworth Multi Academy Trust was stopped and breathalysed by police on August 24 and found to be driving over the legal alcohol limit.
He appeared at Warwickshire Magistrates Court on Wednesday (September 11) and was fined £587 and banned from the roads for 23 months, which will be reduced to 17 months on completion of a driving course.
School chiefs told the Observer Mr Coache was suspended from his post as soon as they were made aware of the situation and an independent investigation will now take place following the conclusion of the legal process.
School leaders were also made aware prior to the start of the new term and immediately made arrangements to cover Mr Coaché’s duties.
Both Bengeworth CE Academy and Bretforton Village School are both being ably led by heads of school and leadership teams.
In a statement, Mr Coache said: “There is no excuse for drink driving and I am ashamed and extremely regretful to have shown such a lack of judgement, which is not typical of my behaviour professionally or privately.
“Members of our school community will rightly be disappointed by my actions, for which I am now taking responsibility. I am thankful that no-one else has been affected by this incident.”
Chair of Directors Andy Martyr-Icke, said: “We are disappointed and concerned by Mr Coaché’s behaviour, but he has expressed considerable regret for what has happened and we understand it occurred during a very difficult period in his private life.
“In line with our shared Christian values, the staff, governors, directors and trustees at Bengeworth Church of England Multi Academy Trust will seek to support Mr Coaché and the whole school community through this difficult time,” he added.
