drink driving conviction yes or no?

[windy532]

nearly 15 years ago I was prosecuted by the police for driving whilst exceeding the limit.
I tried to plead guilty but the court would not accept it as there were mitigating circumstances.
I left the UK to go abroad (with the courts permission) and have not been back to live.
My lawyer did not attend the pre trial review as instructed and subsequently a warrant was issued.
I did not find this out for 6 months as I was on a sailing boat.
My question: I now need to drive again and I need a copy licence. How do I know if I was convicted and without details of my old licence,how can I get a duplicate?

[Buenchico]

Depending on the circumstances, you either need to follow the procedure for getting your licence back after disqualification or the procedure for when your licence has simply been lost. In practice, they're the same procedure:

If you want to get your licence back after disqualification (and DVLA haven't sent you any relevant paperwork), you should fill in form D1 (from a Post Office):
http://www.direct.gov.uk/prod_consum_dg/idcplg ?IdcService=SS_GET_PAGE&siteId=en&ssTargetNode Id=285&ssDocName=DG_4022491

If you want to get a new licence because your original licence has been 'lost' (i.e. it's stuck in a dusty cupboard in a courtroom somewhere), you also need to fill in form D1:
http://www.direct.gov.uk/prod_consum_dg/idcplg ?IdcService=SS_GET_PAGE&siteId=en&ssTargetNode Id=283&ssDocName=DG_4022085

So, fill in form D1 and then write a letter, to go with it, explaining your unusual circumstances. (If there are any awkward questions on the form, simply write 'Please refer to accompanying letter').

Chris

[windy532]

Thanks Chris for your kind reply. I am worried however that if I explain the circumstances,it might 're-light the fire'?
I don't know if I was convicted or not so I don't want to make problems now after 15 years!
Any other thoughts welcome.