Drunken pensioner drove straight on to roundabout

OAP was five times over the legal limit as she lost control of vehicle

A pensioner who drove her motorhome straight on to a roundabout has been banned from the road after she was found to be more than five times over the limit.

Perth Sheriff Court was told Carolyn Smith had drunk “numerous” bottles of wine before getting behind the wheel of the 3.5 tonne vehicle.

Sheriff William Wood told Smith she could have caused a “catastrophe” by trying to drive such a large vehicle while she was extremely drunk.

He said: “Clearly the reading is a high one and the court has to consider custody in a case like this. I take into account that you are a first-time offender and have had a long working life.

“What you have to appreciate is that this is a very serious matter.

“You were five times over the legal limit and driving a large, unwieldy vehicle.

“If you failed to control that properly on the road, there was the potential for a catastrophe to occur.”

The court was told Smith, a former post office worker, had ploughed straight on to the centre of the busy roundabout after approaching too fast in her Trigano camper van.

She was unable to stop and turn the vehicle in time to stay on the road and the nature of her driving caused concerned motorists to call the police.

Depute fiscal Bill Kermode said: “Police were called and when they arrived at the scene they found the accused sitting in the rear living space of the motor home.

“She admitted consuming numerous bottles of wine. A roadside breath test was positive and she was arrested.”

Solicitor Jamie Baxter said: “She is 60, retired, and this is the first time she has come before the court. She has been driving since she was 17.

“She had been suffering from stress and there had been an alcohol issue. She had stopped drinking but this was a relapse.

“She is a member of a hillwalking club and had been due to go on a trip with friends. She left early because of the stress of her living arrangements at the time.

“She had been away for two days on her own in the van. On the day of this incident she consumed alcohol. It was a very bad decision on her part.

“Her recollection is that she fell asleep and when she woke up she decided she had to get home. It was a moment of madness.

“She was assisted by passing motorists. She is thoroughly ashamed of this behaviour.”

Smith, of Slade Gardens, Kirriemuir, admitted driving the motorhome with excess alcohol (116 mics) on the A926 Blairgowrie to Alyth road on 2 October.

She was found roundabout.

Sheriff Wood banned her from driving for 30 months and ordered her to carry out 100 hours unpaid work in the community. at the Five Ways