A MUM-of-four who was stopped by police on suspicion of drink-driving and later refused to give a sample for analysis has been told to do unpaid work.
Rimante Owen appeared at Worcester Magistrates Court and admitted a charge of failing to provide a specimen for analysis.
Owen Beale, prosecuting, said the 43-year-old was watched by an officer as she drove in Old Northwick Lane, Worcester, at around 7pm on August 28.
After being stopped, the officer observed she appeared dazed and had a bottle of whiskey on the passenger's seat.
The prosecutor said Owen took a roadside breathalyser test, which recorded a reading of over 100mcg - the legal limit being 35mcg.
Mr Beale said at the police station, when the attempt was taken to get an evidential sample, she "simply refused" to co-operate with officers.
Mr Beale said it was likely there had been a "high level of impairment" in her driving based on the reading - but added it could not be relied upon.
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Shaun Newey, defending, said Owen, of St Annes Road, Worcester, had been under stress as work was being done on her and her husband's home, so the pair and their children were currently living apart.
Mr Newey said his client, who had no previous convictions, had decided to drive down to the river but made the mistake of sipping the bottle of whiskey, which he said could have explained the high reading.
He added part of reason for Owen appearing dazed was that she had banged her head close to the incident, and at the station she had become upset and been asking for her husband.
Magistrates tell Rimante Owen she must do unpaid work
Probation service representative Jayne Stewart told magistrates she had spoken to Owen and although being a housewife with responsibilities for her children, she was able to do unpaid work as the probation service could fit around child care issues.
Chris Mitchell, chairman of the magistrates bench, told Owen they were giving her a 12-month community order with 150 hours of unpaid work.
Owen was banned from driving for 30 months but was offered the chance to do the drink-drive awareness course which, if she successfully completes, will reduce the ban by 30 days.
Owen was told to pay victim surcharge of £114 and costs of £135.
The magistrates agreed Owen could pay the total, £249, in full within 28 days.
The case was heard at the court on September 15.
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