Uninsured mum banned after driving erratically

An uninsured Sunderland mum who blew positive by the roadside has been banned from driving after refusing to give a mandatory follow-up breath test at a police station.

Mum-of-two Michaela Reeves, 44, of Rosslyn Terrace, Millfield, said she would not do so unless her solicitor was present – an option not available to those suspected of boozing behind the wheel, a court heard.

She is now starting a 17-month ban after pleading guilty to failing to co-operate with a preliminary test – and to driving without insurance and a licence – at South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court.

The court was told she was spotted by police driving a 2003-registered Nissan Micra erratically, including hitting a curb, in Pennywell Road, Sunderland, at 5am on December 27.

Prosecutor Paul Anderson told the court: “She gives a positive roadside test, but then when she gets to the police station wouldn’t comply with the Camic procedure.

“She said she had mental health issues and would wait for her solicitor which is not an option available.”

Tracey Wood, defending, said: “She is extremely sorry for her actions on this evening. This lady tells me that she does suffer from mental health problems.”

Reeves was banned from the roads for failing to cooperate with the test, for which she was also handed a 12-month community order with a requirement to carry out 80 hours of unpaid work, 10 days’ rehabilitation work with the Probation Service, and 14 sessions on the Drink Impaired Drivers’ Programme.

She must also pay a £90 victim surcharge and £85 court costs.