A shop worker in Calne reported a drunk woman who drove to buy wine shortly before 9am.
Highly intoxicated Michelle Wright attended the SPAR in James Avenue to purchase alcohol on 25 May this year – but when she was spotted driving away, an employee called 999.
Police were tasked with locating the 55-year-old, whose vehicle – a Peugeot 107 – was found parked outside her home in Westerham Walk. The bonnet was still warm when officers arrived.
Swindon Magistrates’ Court heard yesterday (Thursday) that on answering the door, she provided a positive sample of breath and she was arrested.
In custody, Wright gave an evidential reading of 109 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath. The legal limit is 35 microgrammes.
Caroline Dunne, defending, said her client suffers from a “number of mental and physical difficulties” and is “devastated to find herself in court”.
She told the court that there is “genuine remorse and embarrassment” shown by the defendant and confirmed she is working with The Netson’s Trust to address her alcohol issues.
“We’re really shocked at the amount of alcohol you must have drunk to be so far over the limit”, chair of the magistrates Sarah Neish said.
“It’s really horrifying to imagine the consequences of driving whilst so drunk – there would have been pedestrians, schoolchildren. It’s very lucky you’re not here for a more serious offence.”
Wright was fined £200 and banned from driving for 28 months. She must also pay court costs.
NEXT UP: Four suspected illegal immigrants arrested working at Chinese takeaway
