Depressed AM makes apology for drink-driving
A PLAID AM has apologised after being arrested on suspicion of drink-driving, while speaking out about suffering from depression.
Neath-based Bethan Jenkins, regional member for South Wales West, was stopped by police in Cardiff in the early hours of Sunday.
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Bethan Jenkins
The AM said she was “profoundly sorry” following the arrest. She has since been suspended from Plaid’s Assembly group.
“In the early hours of Sunday I drove from a friend’s house, where I was staying, in the direction of my home, while under the influence of alcohol,” she said in a statement.
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“There are no excuses for what I did, and I am profoundly sorry.
“I am fully aware of the seriousness of this incident, and the danger, to myself and to others, of driving while under the influence of alcohol.
“This is something I deeply regret and I will fully accept the punishment I am given.”
The AM also spoke out about suffering from health problems.
She added: “In recent weeks I have been receiving help from a medical professional and a counsellor to deal with a recognised health problem.
“There is no excuse for this incident, but I am clear that I now need to address this issue as a matter of urgency.
“As such, I am receiving professional medical support for depression, something I am only beginning to come to terms with.
“I will also be resigning my spokesperson role for the Assembly group on heritage, Welsh Language and sport.
“I would like to thank the police for ensuring the safety of others and that of myself in the action they took, and I apologise profusely to them for adding to their already difficult workload.”
Meanwhile a spokeswoman for the Plaid Assembly group said: “Driving while under the influence of alcohol is a reckless and irresponsible act, and we regard this incident with the utmost seriousness. Bethan Jenkins has been suspended from the group while the process of justice takes its course.”
Comments
by jpj1986
Friday, October 19 2012, 1:00PM
“OK what she did is wrong and she admits it. As for Walesforever comments "Depression! Same excuse thousands use to stay on incapacity benefit" I have suffered with depression for over five years since my 20 year old son passed away but I can't get any benefit and i'm sure Bethan does not claim any benefit.
I'm not trying to stick up for what she did she is sorry she now needs the support of Plaid I know of a lot of people who are supporting her and i'm not afraid to say i'm one of the”
by SWEPuser001
Wednesday, October 17 2012, 5:14PM
“I'm not surprised you're depressed; living in Wales. So am I. What a dump. I sympathise wih you. Drinking is the only way to blur the reality of living here.”
by PatrickThistl
Wednesday, October 17 2012, 8:48AM
“Depression is no excuse for drink driving. This is just a damage limitation exercise for Bethan Jenkins.
Perhaps poor Bethan was depressed on her recent taxpayer funded trip to Dublin where she was unable to attend the meetings she should have each day. She did however manage to fight the depression enough to attend the social functions each night. What a brave little soldier she is.”
by Sandson
Wednesday, October 17 2012, 8:44AM
“I do hope that Plaid Cymru activist Leigh Richards isn't trying to rationalise away what has happened here. Bethan Jenkins has been suspended by her party who have described her actions as reckless and irresponsible.”
by Walesforever
Tuesday, October 16 2012, 9:35PM
“Depression ! Same excuse thousands use to stay on incapacity benefit. So she should be ok if she loses her position !”
by gorseboy
Tuesday, October 16 2012, 9:03PM
“She is supposedly getting professional help,so would be prescribed medication such as Venlafaxine or a number of Tricyclics to treat the condition.
ALL these carry a warning to avoid alcohol.
This woman is our representative yet shows poor judgement in her actions,whilst I sympathise over her depression,really she should know better.”
by Lezz_T
Tuesday, October 16 2012, 7:54PM
“"One can only wonder how many other drunks are running our country."
Jiffy, it would explain a lot.
Obviously it was a bad idea to site the Sennedd in Cardiff Bay surrounded by bars, restaurants and other pleasures of the flesh.”
by Gwyddno
Tuesday, October 16 2012, 6:38PM
“odinhouse
I'm not annoyed with the news report.
However, you are clearly annoyed and you call the item 'Bull S' - Today at 12:18pm.
You think that I'm a Plaid Cymru member/supporter? Please click on where my pseudonym is emboldened at the start of this comment and try and find any Plaid support.
I did not mention anything about 'out of working hour's'. (sic)”
by intelligent1
Tuesday, October 16 2012, 6:25PM
“quite agree Bennyhill”
by Hadoken453
Tuesday, October 16 2012, 5:07PM
“No one wants to take charge for what they do these days without implying there is some higher order of blame to what they did.
computer hackers and trolls all have aspergers thanks to gary mckinnon.
*****s are all reasearchers.
Drug cheats steal to pay their dealer who will kill them if they do not..
Being depressed has naff all to do with drink driving inless she is suicidal, I guess she feels if she blamed it on being irresponsible it would ruin her career, if she blames it on depression, then she can claim to have beaten it and her lack of responsibility will not be discussed as it was somehow mixed with depression.
It does not fool me, but not everyone is this smart so who knows.”