Motorist caught drink-driving after car's shutdown system kicked in

A motorist was caught drink-driving after her car's emergency shutdown system kicked in and brought her car to a standstill after she had struck a kerb.
Chesterfield magistrates' court.Chesterfield magistrates' court.
Chesterfield magistrates' court.

Chesterfield magistrates’ court heard on Tuesday, May 23, how Bethany Cook, 19, had been driving on the A610 at Ripley when she struck a kerb and her car’s shutdown system was initiated and another driver called police for help.

Sam Matkin, prosecuting, said: “Police responded to reports a vehicle had broken down in a dangerous position and when they came across the defendant they conducted a roadside breath test.”

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Cook, of Oliver Close, Heanor, registered 61microgrammes of alcohol in 100millilitres of breath when the limit is 35microgrammes. The defendant pleaded guilty to exceeding the drink-drive limit after the incident on May 6.

Bertie Mather, defending, explained Cook had been at a pub with friends and she went with them to a club where she did not have another drink but she later clipped a kerb on her way home.

Mr Mather added a friend had been looking for cigarettes and when Cook tried to help her she clipped a kerb and the car’s override system kicked in.

Another motorist phoned the police to help Cook but after officers arrived they smelled alcohol and tested the defendant.

Magistrates fined Cook £120 and she must pay a £30 victim surcharge and £85 costs. She was also banned from driving for 16 months.