Retired teacher was arrested for drink driving after attempt to take her life

Pauline Baker woke up and got in her car drunk and in her dressing gown and had to be talked down from jumping off a bridge before police made the arrest.

Emily Clewer, prosecuting, told magistrates police were called at 11pm, on August 17, to the A4440 Whittington Road, and Baker told officers she felt suicidal. The solicitor said she told police she had driven to the scene and, after they moved her away to safety in a police car, she took a roadside breathalyser test, which she failed.

"She was taken into custody and at the police station she gave two samples, the lowest of which provided a reading of 52mcg in 100ml of breath," the solicitor said. The legal limit is 35mcg.

READ MORE: Man in hospital after 'being shot by accident on late night hunting trip'

"She has no previous convictions on her record, only a caution.

"The reading would put it in the lowest bracket (for sentencing)."

Mark Turnbull, defending, said Baker was originally from Cardiff and moved to Worcester in 1997.

But, he said, after her marriage broke down and she retired from teaching, Baker became isolated.

"What she told officers on the night was that she had no friends in the Worcester area," Mr Turnbull said.

"Her dog died the week before - the dog was her life, her last friend.

"The day before she went to a pub, had some wine and cider, and went home. She spoke to a friend and said she was suicidal.

"She went to bed but at some point she recalls waking up and getting into her car and driving to the motorway bridge. "Fortunately people there talked her out of it.

"She deeply regrets what happened. It is quite clearly out of character - this is the first time she has ever been in a court room.

"I hope you will be able to keep disqualification short, bearing in mind police were were called for medical help, and it ended with her getting arrested for drink driving."

Keith Stoke-Smith, chairman of the bench, said: "The circumstances are obviously distressing for you and us to hear.

"Hopefully things have got better. "Teaching was an admirable profession. You deserve to enjoy your life, enjoy your retirement, enjoy it properly."

Mr Stoke-Smith advised Baker, of Salamanca Drive, Norton, to see if the local village hall had events she could get involved in, so she could meet new people.

READ MORE: Drunk man kicked policewoman in head during her first night shift, court hears

Baker replied that she would soon be getting puppies to help her enjoy her life.

Baker was disqualified from driving for a year, fined £350, and was ordered to pay costs of £35 and court costs of £135 - a total of £520, which Baker will pay in full within 28 days.

Baker was also offered the opportunity to complete the drink drive awareness course, which if she successfully completes will reduce the ban period by 12 weeks.

If you are suffering with suicidal thoughts, you can contact Samaritans in confidence for free from any phone on 116 123, even a mobile without credit.

Or you can email jo@samaritans.org or go to samaritans.org to find details of your local branch of Samaritans where you can talk to one of its volunteers face-to-face.