A York supply teacher who was more than four times over the drink-driving limit crashed her car into bushes at the Aldi car park in Clifton—while shoppers were all around.
Amanda Brooks, 54, ploughed into the greenery on 11 June before reversing out and driving across the car park. Police were called, and two hours later she still blew 148 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath. The legal limit is just 35.
If that wasn’t enough, less than a month later—on 4 July—Brooks was caught drink-driving again, this time three-and-a-half times over the limit.
To make matters worse, she failed to turn up for her first court date on 2 July, leading to her arrest on a warrant.
In court, prosecutor Alison Whiteley described the Aldi incident as happening on a busy afternoon with “lots of pedestrians” around. Defence solicitor David Camidge said Brooks had a medical condition affecting how her body processed alcohol and hadn’t touched a drop since her first court appearance. She’d also begun counselling for alcohol issues.
The judge weighed her very high readings and repeat offending against her previous clean record, health issues, and genuine steps toward rehabilitation. The outcome? A 10-week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months, plus a 32-month driving ban, £120 fine, £170 costs, and a £154 surcharge.
It’s a sharp fall from grace for someone who had never been in trouble before—and a sobering reminder of just how far-reaching drink-driving consequences can be.
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.
