A Mercedes-Benz dealer ‘fully supports’ it’s drink driving employee, a court heard.
Denice Gardo ploughed into the central reservation in Greenbridge Road on 20 December last year – as she attempted to drive home from The Messenger pub.
Police were called to the scene and the the 22-year-old appeared unsteady on her feet. A roadside breath test was carried out and on failing it, she was arrested.
In custody, Gardo provided an evidential reading of 62 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath. The legal limit is 35 microgrammes.
At Swindon Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday (17 January), the defendant, of Lordswood, Badbury Park, pleaded guilty to drink driving in her Mercedes-Benz A200.
Mark Glendenning, defending, said that the Mercedes-Benz of Swindon saleswoman had “misjudged how much she had drunk” and thought she was safe to drive.
He said that her employer was “fully aware”, adding that they are “prepared to support her regardless and allow her to keep that job” — despite holding a driving licence being a requirement for the role.
Mr Glendenning said Gardo “accepts she made a mistake” and “she is sorry”.
District Judge Joanna Dickens said her offending was “very serious”.
She added: “I accept it was a single mistake you made, but it is extremely dangerous to drive with excess alcohol.”
Judge Dickens imposed a 16-month driving disqualification and a £300 fine. She must also pay a court surcharge of £160.
