Learner driver caused car crash while over drink limit
A LEARNER driver who caused a crash while three times over the legal limit has been ordered to get help with her alcohol problem.
Police were called following the accident in Berry Brow shortly after 1am on March 9.
Leanne Bamforth, 29, pleaded guilty to driving while over the prescribed limit, using a vehicle without insurance and driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence.
Prosecutor Alex Bozman told Kirklees magistrates that a male driver was travelling along Woodhead Road when his Peugeot 207 was struck by a Seat Leon being driven by Bamforth.
He told magistrates both vehicles suffered damage following the crash at the junction with Carriage Drive.
Bamforth was arrested after a positive breath test. Further tests revealed that she had 101 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath, the legal limit is 35 microgrammes.
Bamforth, who was not represented, confirmed that she only holds a provisional licence.
She told magistrates she works with vehicles and was informed by her boss “not to return” if she gets a driving ban exceeding nine months.
Bamforth, of Hampshire Street in Moldgreen, said: “I’m really sorry. I just want to sort my life out.”
Magistrates banned her from driving for 24 months. Chairman of the bench Brian Hughes told her : “You’re very close to going to custody on a reading this high.
“You know how much you had to drink that night and you are at the top end of the scale.”
However, he said they were prepared to go with the recommendation by the Probation Service.
This is a 12 month community order with up to 20 days of rehabilitation activities and six months of non-residential alcohol treatment.