Kirby Le Soken drink-driver banned from the road for three years
Woman caught with alcohol level four times the legal limit
A Kirby Cross woman has been banned from driving for three years after being found with alcohol levels four times over the legal limit.
The case was brought to light following a report from a concerned member of the public and quick action by an Essex Police officer patrolling Frinton On Sea on 5th March.
PC James Nickless, from the Rural Engagement Team, received a report of a possible drink driver in Kirby Le Soken and was able to locate the vehicle on Horsey Road.
Colchester magistrates heard on 20th April that Sarah Martin, 59, was stopped by PC Nickless, who noticed empty spirit and mixer cans in the passenger footwell and detected a strong scent of alcohol.
After failing a roadside breath test, Martin was further tested in custody, revealing she had 152 microgrammes of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath, exceeding the legal limit of 35mcgs.
As well as the driving ban, Martin admitted to the charge of drink-driving and was ordered to undergo treatment for alcohol dependency for six months.
She must also participate in 20 days of rehabilitation activities, complete 200 hours of unpaid work, and pay a victim surcharge of £114 along with court costs of £85.
PC Nickless emphasized the dangers posed by drink-driving, especially in rural areas.
"Driving after drinking alcohol, especially at such high levels, puts other road users and pedestrians at serious risk and can have fatal consequences," Nickless said.
He continued, stating that on rural roads, where conditions can shift and assistance may be distant, the risk is even higher:
"Alcohol significantly affects judgement, reaction times and coordination, meaning drivers are far less able to spot hazards, stay in control or make safe decisions. One poor decision can have devastating consequences for everyone involved."