A woman from Ellesmere Port has been disqualified from driving for three years after refusing to provide a breath sample during a roadside stop, citing mental health difficulties as the reason.
Hayley Halsall, 44, appeared at Chester Magistrates’ Court, where she admitted failing to supply a specimen of breath for analysis. The court heard that she was stopped by police on 5 October 2025 on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol. She was arrested and taken to Blacon custody suite, where she declined to complete the breath test procedure.
Prosecutor Anthony Carey explained that Halsall initially refused to give a sample, later indicated she would comply, and then refused again. She told officers that her depression prevented her from making a clear decision at the time. The court was informed that she had a previous conviction for driving with excess alcohol in 2020, for which she received a 24-month disqualification.
In sentencing, magistrate Jean Banford emphasised public safety, stating that had a serious incident occurred, the consequences would have been significantly more severe. She warned that mental health difficulties would not mitigate the harm caused in such situations.
Halsall was fined £300 and ordered to pay a total of £205 in court costs and a victim surcharge.
Defence solicitor Wendy Shurrock told the court that her client was not seeking to present her mental health condition as a legal defence but explained that it had impaired her decision-making at the time. She said the defendant had experienced personal challenges and was in the process of accessing counselling.
Halsall’s three-year ban was imposed due to the presence of a relevant prior offence within the past 10 years.
About Carl Millar
Carl Millar is a highly respected and experienced drink driving solicitor who is the principal of Millars Solicitors.
Carl has been a specialist in road traffic law for many years and represents clients from all walks of life and all over the Country. He is well known for the dogged defending of his clients and robust cross examination of police officers and exert witnesses.
With a wealth of expertise in motoring law Carl is well placed to provide advice over the phone and deal with all road traffic matters in a calm and professional way.
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