A woman has been banned from driving after taking to the road while under the influence in order to confront her ex-partner over claims of infidelity.
Stephie Hastie, aged 35, was found by police outside the homes of her former partner and another woman, banging on their doors and demanding answers. Officers initially placed her in the back of a patrol car to calm her down, but she became aggressive again after spotting the other woman in the street.
Police said Hastie began shouting and had to be restrained before later being arrested. She was subsequently found to be over the legal alcohol limit.
Hastie, from Macclesfield, admitted drink-driving and assaulting an emergency worker during a hearing at Warrington Magistrates’ Court. She was disqualified from driving for 16 months and ordered to pay a £320 fine, plus £213 in costs and a victim surcharge, according to the Manchester Evening News.
The incident occurred on the evening of 4 February this year.
Prosecutor Mr Kassem Noureddine told the court:
“Miss Hastie attended her ex-partner’s address. She banged on the door and went across the road to where his new partner lived and banged on her door too.
“While initially placed in the back of the police vehicle, she has not stayed calm and required a caged vehicle.
“Officers smelled alcohol and decided to arrest her. As they went to arrest her she became violent.
“Whilst handcuffs were placed on her she kicked out and made contact with the thigh area of the officer.”
A breath sample later provided by Hastie showed 55 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath. The legal limit is 35 microgrammes.
Hastie was listed as a former managing director of a care firm but remains employed as a carer.
Her solicitor, Taryn Reay, explained that the offence stemmed from emotional distress, telling the court:
“She was sadly before today a lady of good character.
“She found out her partner was cheating on her. She was distraught and let her emotions and the alcohol she had drunk earlier take over.”
Ms Reay said Hastie became upset after seeing the other woman on the street, asserting that she was trying to confront her and not the police.
She added:
“The officers tried to grab her by the arms to drag her out of the police car and that is when she kicked out. It is no excuse but it was a trigger for Miss Hastie.”
The court also heard that Hastie cares full-time for her elderly father and has previously suffered domestic abuse.
Ms Reay said:
“She really regrets her actions. To her credit, following this offence she is seeking other ways of coping other than alcohol.”
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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