Drink-driver lands car in a ditch

A Perthshire woman with a previous conviction for drinkdriving was caught with almost double the legal alcohol limit after ending up in a ditch in the early hours.

The incident led to 52-year-old Fiona Barrington, of Sauchie Terrace, Crieff, being fined £1,000 at Perth Sheriff Court.

She was also banned from driving for 33 months.

The accused, who was pushed into court in a wheelchair, admitted driving in Comrie’s Strowan Road on September 16 last year with 94 milligrammes of alcohol in her blood - the legal limit is 50.

Depute fiscal Carol Whyte said the accused had called for an ambulance about 2.30am after crashing her car.

Police attended and traced the accused in the rear of the ambulance.

Her car had ended up in a ditch and its airbag had been deployed.

She gave a positive roadside breath test but was initially taken to Dundee’s Ninewells Hospital after complaining of neck pains.

A blood sample was later taken, with her doctor’s consent, at 5.40am.

When it was analysed, a reading of 94 milligrammes of alcohol was found.

Solicitor Billy Somerville said: “It’s clear from the background report she wasn’t in a good place at the time. “She’s now trying to sort her life out. “She had considerable mental health difficulties at the time and is getting help with some of them.”

Barrington will pay the fine at the rate of £60 a month.

She admitted a previous drink/ driving offence from November, 2004, when she was fined £200 and banned for 18 months.

“I don’t trust that man,” he said at an earlier court hearing.

He explained he was referring to person who owned the car - his former neighbour.

Depute fiscal Carol Whyte said the damage totalled £6,700, including an insurance policy excess of £1050. That had been supported by invoices. Sentence had been deferred for a social work report.

But Sheriff Lindsay Foulis said that report suggested a psychiatric assessment be prepared.

Patterson agreed that he “needed help” but claimed there were mitigating circumstances.

“I was attacked by this gentleman in my house,” he told the court.

Sheriff Foulis recommended that the accused consult a solicitor before his next court appearance.

“These matters raise the possibility - and I put it no higher than that - of someone losing their liberty.

“I would very much encourage you to seek legal advice before this is called next time.”