A 51-year-old Angus woman who crashed her car while four-and-a-half times over the drink-drive limit was yesterday fined £700 and banned from driving for 16 months at Forfar.
Lynn Karen Gerrie, of Yeaman Street, Forfar, admitted driving on Potters Park in the town on February 13 with excess alcohol (104 mics).
The legal limit is 22 mics.
Witnesses heard a loud bang and saw the accused’s car had struck a stone wall.
The court heard they watched Gerrie get out and ask for jump leads.
Police were called and detected a smell of alcohol on her breath.
Defence agent Lynne Sturrock said her client was a first offender.
She said: “She was four-and-a-half times the limit but she tells me there are no underlying issues and this was a one-off.
“She says it was stupid mistake on her part.
“She has held a driving licence since she was 17 and in that time has only had one speeding ticket in her driving career.
“She hasn’t driven since of February 13 and doesn’t intend to drive again even after the period of disqualification.
“What has happened has caused her shame and regret and she is now fearful of getting behind the wheel of a car again.”
Ms Sturrock said her client could offer “no excuses”.
She said Gerrie had consumed alcohol then took her car to drive to her friend’s house who was extremely unwell.
Ms Sturrock added: “Her own words this morning to me were: ‘I should have got a taxi’.”
Sheriff Pino Di Emidio said he took into account Gerrie’s early plea.