A woman from South Tyneside has been banned from the roads after she was caught drink-driving on her way home from what her lawyer described as a “medical mercy mission.”
What Happened That Night
Margaret Carr, 64, had been drinking when she received a late-night call from her poorly sister on Friday, August 22. Wanting to help, she jumped into her grey Honda Jazz and headed out.
But after assisting her sister, Carr was stopped by police in West Way, South Shields. Officers noticed her driving just after midnight and pulled her over.
A roadside breath test confirmed she was over the limit. At the police station, two further tests backed it up. Her alcohol reading came in at 58 micrograms of alcohol in breath—the legal limit is 35.
Court Hearing
At South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court, Carr admitted the offence. Prosecutor John Garside explained the circumstances, adding that she had no previous convictions.
Her lawyer, David Forrester, stressed that Carr had rushed out because of her sister’s medical emergency. He argued she might have had a stronger defence had she been caught on her way to help, rather than on the journey home.
Sentence
Magistrates said they sympathised with her situation but reminded Carr that drink-driving is still a serious offence. They imposed a 12-month driving ban, along with:
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An £80 fine
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£85 court costs
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A £32 victim surcharge
She was also offered the chance to take part in a drink-driver rehabilitation course, which could shorten her ban.
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.
Getting in contact with Carl and Millars Solicitors is really easy. You can call him FREE on 0800 999 5535, or click here to send a confidential message.
