Boozy Derbyshire driver – a career civil servant – seen “swaying” at Morrisons

Karen Derry, 65, “lost track” after having a drink with lunch and another “while doing odd jobs around the house”.

Prosecutor Julie Costello told Chesterfield Magistrates Court heard how police caught up with the pensioner after she made her way home in her Mercedes estate.

Defence solicitor Karl Meakin said retired Derry’s March 5 offence was out of character and was a symptom of her “isolation” during the pandemic.

He said: “She lives by herself and lockdown during the pandemic has been hard on her - she was a career civil servant who retired seven years ago.

“The driving was erratic rather than dangerous - there was no damage or aggravating features.”

Derry, of Mastin Avenue, Clowne, admitted driving while above the alcohol limit.

She was banned for 17 months and fined £399.

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