Ford Focus driver is given ban for drink driving

Zoe Devenish appeared at Worcester Magistrates Court on Tuesday, (October 25), and admitted driving with excess alcohol when the charge was put to her. 

Khameeza Akhtar, prosecuting, said the 48-year-old was spotted by police in her Ford in Chestnut Walk, Worcester, on October 9. 

The prosecutor said: "She was driving without lights on (at night), and police stopped her.

"They smelt alcohol on her breath.

COURT: Zoe Devenish leaving Worcester Magistrates Court (Image: Sam Greenway/Newsquest)

"She admitted to them she had drunk three pints and she believed she would be over the limit."

After failing a roadside breathalyser test Devenish, of Cyril Road, Rainbow Hill, Worcester, was taken to the police station where the evidential sample recorded was 78mcg in 100ml of breath - the legal limit being 35mcg. 

The prosecutor added Devenish had no previous convictions. 

Devenish, who represented herself, was asked by the court clerk if there was anything she wanted to say. 

She told magistrates: "I must say how sorry I am. 

"It is out of character for me. 

"I went to the pub I go to often and walk home. 

COURT: Zoe Devenish appeared at Worcester Magistrates Court

"For some reason that night I listened to a stupid voice in my head and drove. 

"I'm very angry at myself.". 

Fiona James, chairman of the magistrates bench, asked whether the inevitable ban would have an impact, Devenish replying: "Yes. 

"People rely on me for transport."

Devenish added that she was currently unemployed and would now be losing a job she was expecting to start as a care worker, because it was in a rural location that required a car. 

Magistrates tell Zoe Devenish 'you will pay the consequences of drink driving'

After magistrates deliberations, the chairman said: "We have listened carefully to everything. 

"You have displayed remorse. 

"It is one of the things - you will be paying the consequences for it."

Devenish was given a 17-month driving ban. 

She was offered the chance to take the drink-drive awareness course which, if she successfully completes it, will reduce her ban length. 

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The chairman warned if she drove during the disqualification period she would be committing a serious offence that can be punished with a prison sentence.

Devenish was also fined £120 and told to pay costs of £135 and a victim surcharge of £48. 

Magistrates agreed the total, £303, could be paid at a rate of £5 a week.