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Woman in court for drink driving
AN AMBERGATE woman who ploughed into a wall after drinking three times the limit told police she was “glad” it happened.
A Ford Ka driven by medical secretary Ann Malcolm, 58, hit a stone wall and telegraph pole in Crich Lane, Nether Heage, on January 13.
Trapped Malcolm was helped out of the damaged car by passing motorist Marie Shipley and a resident brought a chair outside for her to sit on.
“She said she thought she would be over the limit and she was glad this had happened. She said it was a deliberate act because she was unable to cope with her domestic life.
“She had been responsible for caring for both her elderly parents until their deaths and she was now being pressured to care for her elderly in-laws, who needed a lot of support,” prosecutor Helen Griffiths told Chesterfield magistrates.
Mrs Griffiths said the incident occurred soon after depressed Malcolm had returned to work at Ilkeston Resource Centre following two months sick leave.
She had visited her partner’s father, who has dementia, in hospital that day and then bought spirits in a Derby off-licence which she drank on her way home. The court heard Malcolm, of Ridgeway Farm Court, Ambergate, gave a reading of 105mcgs of alcohol in 100mls of breath. The limit is 35mcgs.
She admitted drink-driving, her first criminal conviction, and was fined £415, with £85 costs, by District Judge Andrew Davison, who imposed a two-year driving ban.
“She had reached an incredibly low point in her life. She was petrified when told she had said she was glad it happened and she wanted to lose her life. She is very remorseful,” said Peter Jones, for Malcolm.
“The vehicle was written off and she is determined not to drive again. She has decided not to return to work as she can’t face it following this incident.”
Mr Jones added: “There is a history of difficulties with drink and on this day she let go. She has signed up for a programme with Derbyshire alcohol advisory service.”
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Friday 25 May 2012
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