Worksop: Drink driver panicked and reversed back into parking space as police closed in

A 48-year-old driver began to drive home from a social club while drunk but panicked and reversed when she saw police approaching, a court heard.
In CourtIn Court
In Court

Michelle Dudley, of Low Town Close, Worksop, pleaded guilty to driving a motor vehicle while above alcohol limit at Worksop Magistrates’ Court on Thursday 25th September.

The court heard how Dudley had driven her partner to their local social club where they drank four pints of lager before deciding to return home around 12am.

Ruth Snodin, prosecuting, said: “Because Dudley’s partner was feeling ill and she felt ‘ok to drive’, they got in the car and she began to drive the short distance back to their home.”

“But as Dudley pulled out of the car park she saw a police car approaching, panicked and reversed back into her parking space.”

“This alerted the suspicion of the officers as they thought it was unusual behaviour.”

“The officers went over to the car where they found Dudley and her partner sat in silence with the lights and engine of the car still active.”

“The officers proceeded to breathalyse Dudley and she was found to be over the limit.”

“She was then arrested and taken the police station where she admitted what she had done.”

Defence solicitor Andrew Osbourne said: “The defendant is mortified about being in court and is a woman of previously good character.”

“Her partner is ill at the moment, he has a serious medical condition- but on good days the couple like to go out and enjoy themselves when they can, as any couple would.”

“Dudley said she felt ok to drive after she left the social club and wouldn’t have dreamed of getting into the car if she had felt drunk.”

“As soon as Dudley saw the police car approaching her car, she felt guilty immediately and changed her mind by reversing off the road, which goes to show the strength of her character.”

Magistrates said: “These are an unfortunate set of circumstances but you will still be losing your license today.”

“You know that what you did was irresponsible.”
Dudley was disqualified from driving for 18 months and offered the opportunity complete a drink-driving rehabilitation course which will reduce her ban by 19 weeks.

She was also fined £100 and ordered to pay court costs of £85, along with a victim surcharge of £20.

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