A Carlisle drink-driver who took her brother-in-law’s car without permission in a bid to buy pop and Rizla papers from a shop has been handed a 40-month ban from the road.
Danielle Young’s offending occurred at 10pm on December 10.
Young, 34, was recognised by a police officer as she drove a Volkswagen Passat and was then seen to contravene a one-way system on to Peel Street.
An officer followed the vehicle which came to a natural stop outside an address on that residential road and, as Young was spoken to, a smell of alcohol was detected. She provided a positive test and an evidential reading later showed 57 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath. The legal limit is 35mcg.
She was driving alone, had only a provisional licence, was uninsured and taken the Passat without the owner’s permission.
“She was interviewed later that day, admitted all the offences and states she took the keys from her brother-in-law to go to the shop to buy pop and Rizlas,” prosecutor Andy Travis told Carlisle Magistrates’ Court.
Young, of Bower Street, Carlisle, admitted having no insurance, driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence, drink-driving and also taking a vehicle without consent.
The court heard she had previous convictions for the latter two offences, dating back to 2017, when she was given a community order and 18-month driving ban.
Mark Shepherd, defending, said Young had suffered multiple traumas during the last couple of years including a bereavement, suffered from her mental health significantly and currently drank alcohol every day. “She is sorry for what she has done,” said the lawyer.
Concluding there was a realistic prospect of rehabilitation, magistrates imposed a £120 fine and 12-month community order comprising rehabilitation and an alcohol treatment programme. Young was also given a 40-month driving ban.
