Woman avoids driving ban after admitting being in charge of vehicle while over the limit in Berwick

Julie Borthwick, 36, of Windsor Locks in Chirnside, pleaded guilty to the offence at Berwick Magistrates’ Court.

Magistrates heard that police received a report of an intoxicated woman sitting at the wheel of her car on Main Street in Spittal on March 23.

Prosecutor James Long told the court that Sgt Beattie approached the defendant who ‘smelled heavily of alcohol’.

She gave a positive roadside breath test and was taken to Bedlington police station where she gave a formal sample of 84mg alc/100ml breath. The legal limit is 35mg.

In mitigation, Graham Crouth told magistrates the defendant was sitting in her car after being told to leave her place of employment.

"The keys were not in the ignition when the police arrived and she is adamant she would not have driven,” he said.

Magistrates heard she is now working as a carer which requires her to be able to drive.

She had her licence endorsed with 10 penalty points and was ordered to pay and fine and court costs totalling £235.