A supermarket worker who was almost 3-and-a-half times the drink-drive limit was caught in the act when she stumbled out of her car just metres from Newport Police Station, a court heard this week.
Stacey Burch, 36, of Binstead Road in Ryde, blew 120 on the breathalyser when she was caught drink-driving on Pyle Street in Newport. The legal limit is 35.
Ann Smout, prosecuting, explained to the court on Tuesday that a Detective Constable and a Police Staff Investigator were leaving work at 23:50 on 1st May when they heard a crashing noise, grinding gears and a revving engine. The pair then witnessed a Ford Focus travelling down Pyle Street to the rear of the Police Station.
The Focus, now known to have been driven by mum-of-2 Stacey Burch, mounted the kerb and came to a stop in a disabled parking bay. Burch got out and stumbled toward a row of houses and started knocking on doors.
Police introduced themselves to a distressed Stacey but she tried to make off by running towards Coppins Bridge. Whilst claiming her ‘life was over’, Burch was detained and taken inside Newport Custody Centre to be breathalysed.
On the night of the incident, Stacey had been consuming a bottle of wine at home but has been unable to give an explanation as to why she left home and drove her car.
Defending, Mr Henry Farley told the court that his client is normally a careful and conscientious driver who has held a clean licence since 18. She has never been in trouble and is full of remorse for her out of character actions, which were the result of a mental breakdown.
Magistrates handed down a 21-month disqualification from driving and ordered Stacey Burch to complete 80 hours of unpaid work and 15 rehabilitation days as part of a 12-month community order. She was also ordered to pay costs of £85 with a £95 surcharge.
I am all for anti drink driving, but I do hope she gets a bit of help x
Poor soul, commits an admitted serious offence whilst drunk as a result of some domestic upset?. Alcohol reduces inhibitions so that her normally controlled behaviour by the frontal lobes of the brain were seriously impaired. I feel she must have some heavy duty domestic upset like for example a husband caught out in an infidelity. Now she is on her own with her child she will be missing her means of transport. Shame she was disqualified from driving, a punishment with little personal compassion and domestic support. Neighbours and friends must rally round to support her with transport help. .