A nurse who struck a parked car while over the drink-drive limit has been sentenced by a judge who expressed a hope that she is able to keep her job.
Olivia Gartland-Armstrong, 32, found herself in court for the very first time after crashing her Suzuki Vitara into a stationary Toyota at Fleming Square in Maryport just after midnight on January 10.
A resident heard a “loud bang” and spoke to Gartland-Armstrong, who stated: “I’m drunk, I’m drunk. Don’t ring the police.”
But when she drove off another witness raised the alarm. Officers went to Gartland-Armstrong’s John Street home a short distance away, found her extensively damaged Suzuki and were told: “I’ve crashed into a car and I know I was over the limit.”
She provided a breathalyser reading of 67mcg in 100ml of breath, almost twice the legal maximum of 35mcg. She admitted drink driving and dangerous driving.
Passing sentence, Recorder Kate Bex QC observed nurse Gartland-Armstrong had “powerful, important mitigation” as a public servant in the NHS during a period of pandemic, and having read references provided on her behalf.
Imposing a fine of £1,500, Recorder Bex told her: “You are a lady of good character and it’s very sad to see you here in a court, and I know that you know that.”
The judge also imposed a 12-month driving ban, an extended re-test and £500 costs, adding: “It’s really none of my business but I’ve read in the various reports that there’s a question mark over your job. I hope very much that you’re able to keep it, and if it matters at all what the court says then do please pass that on to your employer.”
