Driver was six times over limit

A driver caught while six times over the drink limit has been told she was lucky not to be jailed.

First offender Charlottetucker made a“foolish”decision to get behind the wheel, her lawyer told Hamilton Sheriff Court last week.

Tucker (31) of Stewart Avenue, Blantyre, admitted driving with an alcohol reading of 134 in Caird Street, Hamilton, on December 12.

The limit is 22.

Defence agent Stephen Macbride said that his client had lost her job since an initial court appearance last month.

He added:“she made a foolish decision and pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity.

“She had been driving for 14 years with no convictions, but there seems to be a problem with alcohol that needs to be addressed.

“She’s keen to take any support given to her.”

Sheriff Alasdair Macfadyen told Tucker:“there is a clear public safety issue brought about by your driving on this occasion.

“Although it’s your first offence, custody is certainly an option, but I have in mind a direct alternative.”

The sheriff imposed a 15-month supervision order with alcohol counselling as required.

Tucker must also carry out 150 hours of unpaid community work and was banned from driving for two years.

However, the sheriff rejected a Crown bid for forfeiture of her car, valued at £7400, saying that would be “disproportionate”in light of the punishment already imposed.