Boozy motorist claimed she is usually tea-total

Derby magistrates’ court heard how Jessica Ball, 36, of Parkside, Belper, had been spotted swerving on the A61 in Derby and a marked police car was alerted before she was pulled over in Belper.

Peter Bettany, prosecuting, said: “The marked police car went on to catch up with the vehicle and put its lights on to pull her over but she didn’t slow down and continued at a normal speed. This officer got behind and she still did not move over and he had to gesture but it is not suggested it was a deliberate attempt to avoid the police.”

Police described Ball as slurring her words and smelling of intoxicants. Ball, who has a previous drink-drive conviction, registered 56 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath when the limit is 35 microgrammes. She pleaded guilty to exceeding the drink-drive limit after the latest incident on October 28.

Ball said she is normally tea-total because she is bi-polar and she can be badly affected by alcohol. She added she had also been taking medicine after dental treatment and described this a “trigger-drug” and after drinking she became sad and decided to drive to her son who was with his dad.

Magistrates sentenced Ball on November 28 to a 12 month community order with a rehabilitation activity and 80 hours’ unpaid work. She must pay an £85 victim surcharge and £85 costs. She was disqualified from driving for 36 months.