A pensioner was so drunk at the wheel after downing whisky that police officers who arrested her thought she was having a stroke.
The officers called in paramedics to attend to Elizabeth Mulgrew, of Clunie Way, Stanley, because they mistakenly believed the 72-year-old driver was having a medical episode.
A sheriff yesterday banned Mulgrew from the road for 18 months.
After being told she was unlikely to want to drive again, Sheriff Lindsay Foulis said he hoped the ban would have the effect of stopping her ever returning to the road.
Mulgrew was also fined £750 after she admitted driving with excess alcohol (54 mics) in her home village on October 30.
Depute fiscal Matthew Kerr said: “She appeared confused and presented symptoms similar to the initial signs of a stroke. As such, an ambulance was called but the police officers did not detect a smell of alcohol from the accused. She denied having had any alcohol.
“Ambulance staff assessed her and informed the police that they believed alcohol may be a factor in her demeanour. She did not have the physical capability to provide a roadside breath test.
“She was taken to Perth Royal Infirmary, but discharged having received no medical treatment.”
Solicitor Pauline Cullerton, defending, said: “She had a couple of glasses of whisky before going out in the car. It was her first time in the car for a while.
“Her licence had been revoked in August 2018 due to her doctor being concerned about her having suffered a blackout. She is very embarrassed to find herself in court.
“She doesn’t think she is going back to driving.”
