A teenager has been convicted of drink driving after riding an illegal e-scooter.
Abigail Morgan admitted driving a motor vehicle whilst over the prescribed alcohol limit, driving without a licence and driving without insurance at Swindon Magistrates’ Court today (29 September).
Prosecutor Keith Ballinger said the 18-year-old was stopped by police officers riding an electric scooter in County Road in the early hours of 28 July this year.
They noticed the smell of alcohol on her breath and asked her to provide a roadside sample. She complied before failing the test and being arrested.
Checks also revealed that Morgan did not have a driving licence, nor any insurance for the scooter.
In custody, she provided an evidential sample of breath measuring 44 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath. The legal limit is 35 microgrammes.
Mark Glendenning, defending, said his client was confused about the laws.
“When you’re sold them [electric scooters] in shops, they’re happy to take your money, but won’t tell you they are illegal to ride”, he commented.
He said Morgan, of Marlowe Avenue, Swindon, is currently living with her mother and claims benefits.
Magistrates fined her £120 and banned her from driving for 13 months. She must also pay a £48 surcharge and £85 towards prosecution costs.
