Drunk motorist given three-year ban from driving

Accused drove for 20 miles while more than three times over the limit

A motorist ignored the lights and sirens of pursuing police cars as she drove drunk for 20 miles across central Scotland during the evening rush hour.

Helen Williamson was so drunk at the wheel, concerned motorists formed a blockade around her to prevent her crashing into another vehicle.

Williamson was so heavily under the influence of alcohol, she did not notice a patrol car pull up alongside her, and officers could see she was incapable of controlling the vehicle.

Numerous members of the public had alerted the police as she weaved up and down the A9 between Stirling and Perth.

Motorists were so concerned about her driving that they put hazard lights on and followed her in a convoy to alert other road users to the danger.

A large number of police vehicles became involved in the incident, but Williamson simply ignored them.

Fiscal depute Bill Kermode told Perth Sheriff Court: “At 6.20pm, police were notified by numerous members of the public about a Vauxhall Corsa being driven in a dangerous manner.

“It was going from lane to lane, mounting the verge.

“Then numerous motorists reported the car for the manner of the driving.

“They were so concerned a collision would occur that they followed with hazard-warning lights to stop others overtaking and being in a collision.

“Numerous police units were notified. At 6.40pm, they were aware of her travelling north and followed by a number of vehicles with their hazard lights illuminated.

“They could see the accused swerving from lane to lane and manoeuvred into the lane beside her with lights and sirens on, but she failed to respond.

“On looking across, the police could see she was visibly drunk.”

Mr Kermode said the police got in front of Williamson and brought her to a halt after she had driven for approximately 20 miles.

The officers could smell alcohol and she gave a positive roadside breath test before being arrested and taken to Perth police station.

Solicitor Paul Ralph, defending, said it was fortunate that “a major catastrophe” had not happened.

He said she was on medication and knew it was unwise to combine that with alcohol before getting in the car to drive.

Williamson, 45, Jura Street, Perth, admitted driving on the A9 Perth to Dunblane road on September 10 while more than three times over the limit.

Sheriff Lindsay Foulis banned her from driving for three years after hearing she had a previous conviction, and he ordered her to carry out 120 hours of unpaid work.