Retford: Driving ban for mother after drinking ‘a couple of vinos’

Claudia Faye Tootell, 26, of Retford, was found to be over the drink-drive limit after being stopped on Ollerton Road in Ordsall.

She was found to have 55mcgs of alcohol in 100mls of breath. The legal limit is 35mcgs.

Magistrates at Mansfield were told that police had spotted Tootell’s red Ford Fiesta and followed her at around 11.20pm on August 21.

Police detected the smell of alcohol on her breath and had a ‘glazed look’ in her eyes. She was the only person in the vehicle.

Defending, James Whyley, said that she had been ‘knocked for six’ after she had been told the day before that her partner - who was in jail for attacking her - had tried to commit suicide in his cell.

Mr Whyley added: “She was not thinking clearly and she did not set off that night with an intention to drink. She is in a very difficult situation.”

She was banned from driving for 14 months, made to pay £110 fine, £150 criminal court costs, £85 costs and a £20 surcharge.