A Royal Wootton Bassett woman has been convicted of drink driving.
Dr Esther Wilkinson, 49, appeared at Swindon Magistrates’ Court this morning charged with driving whilst over the prescribed alcohol limit in a Skoda Octavia. She admitted the offence.
The highly qualified education specialist, of Longleaze, was arrested on 20 February this year after police attended the B&Q car park off Great Western Way.
In custody, on an evidential breathalyser machine, she provided a reading of 63 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath. The legal limit is 35.
Wilkinson has a PhD in chemistry and previously worked as a police officer before going on to work as the Head of International for Jisc, a non-profit organisation providing digital solutions for UK education and research sectors.
It is understood the defendant is also married to a high-ranking serving Wiltshire Police police officer.
Magistrates imposed a 17-month driving disqualification, with a fine of £692.
She must also pay a victim surcharge of £95 and £85 costs.
Wilkinson did not respond to our requests for comment.
