Boozed-up chef caught drink-driving after night out

Chesterfield magistrates’ court heard on Tuesday, February 16, how Abbi Thornton, 19, was caught nearly twice over the legal drink-drive limit by police after she was seen mounting a nearside kerb in Riddings.

Prosecuting solicitor Mark Kennedy said: “The police officer was on Church Street driving in the direction of Bradshaw Avenue at 4.10am when Thornton’s car mounted a nearside kerb and the officer put on his emergency lights and the defendant stopped.

“The officer suspected Thornton had been drinking and the defendant took a road side drink-drive breath-test.”

Mr Kennedy added that Thornton recorded 66microgrammes of alcohol in 100millilitres of breath and a further test at the police station matched the reading.

The legal limit for drink-driving is 35microgrammes.

Thornton, of Hambleton Hall Hotel, at Oakham, Rutland, pleaded guilty to exceeding the alcohol drink-drive limit after the incident on January 30.

Defence solicitor John Wilford said: “She had been out with friends and had not intended to drive but she couldn’t get a taxi and foolishly she decided to drive her car.

“Miss Thornton is a chef by occupation and her address is also where she works.”

Magistrates fined Thornton £230 and ordered her to pay £85 costs and a £23 victim surcharge.

She was also disqualified from driving for 18 months but if she completes a drink-drive rehabilitation course she can receive a 19 week reduction.