Driver nabbed with open bottle of wine
An ‘‘extremely intoxicated’’ Taranaki motorist found behind the wheel with an open wine bottle next to her was caught drink-driving again three days later after ignoring a ban.
On both occasions in July this year, it was Marlene Anne Mcdonald’s alcoholaffected driving that attracted alarm.
About 1.30pm on July 24, a member of the public phoned police to report how the 47-year-old’s car had been swerving ‘‘all over the road’’ along Broadway in Stratford, the police summary of facts said.
When Mcdonald’s car stopped at the roundabout near Regan St, the concerned citizen went over and took the keys out of the ignition.
Police described the New Plymouth woman as ‘‘extremely intoxicated and had an open bottle on wine on the passenger seat’’.
A breath test was carried out, and Mcdonald blew 1398 micrograms of alcohol per litre of breath.
The legal limit is 250mcg, putting her close to six times over.
After being charged, she was banned from driving for 28 days.
However, three days later, Mcdonald was nabbed drink-driving again.
Police stopped her after she turned into Cameron St on the wrong side of the road.
A subsequent breath test gave a result of 832mcg, and she told officers she was ‘‘guilty as sin’’.
Mcdonald, who previously pleaded guilty to two charges of drink-driving and one of driving while suspended, appeared in the New Plymouth District Court yesterday for sentencing.
Community magistrate Lesley Jensen said it was ‘‘really disappointing’’ to see Mcdonald in court for repeat offending.
As part of Mcdonald’s nine-month term of supervision, she will be referred to the One for the Road programme, which provides education around the risks of drink-driving, Jensen said.
Mcdonald was ordered to complete 80 hours of community work and observe a 28-day driving ban before she can apply for an alcohol interlock device for her car.
Jensen had words for encouragement for Mcdonald after handing down her penalty.
‘‘You’ve got a long way to go, but you can turn this around.’’