Newton Aycliffe Magistrates Court has heard that a woman who crashed into a parked van before running away was drink driving at nearly twice the legal limit.
The collision took place on the evening of August 13 in Darlington.
Prosecuting, Rachel Butt told the court: “The defendant was driving a grey Hyundai I30 which belonged to one of her friends, and she had permission to drive that vehicle.
“At around 1am in the morning she collided with a parked vehicle and then fled the scene on foot, making no attempt to exchange any details with the owner of the vehicle she collided with.
“Police located [the defendant] who said she was involved in an accident but she was not the driver.”
Police conducted a roadside breath test and found the 24-year-old woman to have 62mcg alcohol per 100ml breath. The legal drink driving limit is 35mcg.
In a statement to the court, the owner of the van said: “Through no fault of my own I now have to organise a replacement vehicle for work.
“This has caused me a lot of aggravation and financial loss, I am also concerned that the driver may not be insured which would cause me further financial loss.”
Representing herself in court, the woman said: “There is no excuse for ever getting behind the wheel when you’re over the limit and I’m extremely sorry.
“There is no excuse for it.
“Obviously I ran away and that was because I was scared.
“I do have an insurance policy but I wasn’t insured to drive another car, obviously I didn’t realise that.
“It is so out of character for me. I know I could have had an accident and hurt somebody or I could have hurt myself and left my son without a mam.
“I did not feel like I was over the limit, but of course I was. I had been drinking but kept putting my drink down and forgetting about it.
“I had had a really bad day but I know that is no excuse. I am really sorry.
“I can’t take my little boy to school or take him anywhere now. I’m so sorry and I will never ever do that again.”
Keith Richardson, chair of the bench, told the defendant: “You have made some very silly choices here.”
After pleading guilty to drink driving, driving without third-party insurance, and failing to stop following a road accident, Mr Richardson fined the woman £240 and ordered her to pay £250 compensation to the owner of the van. He also banned her from driving for 17 months.
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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