A DRINK driver drove the wrong way along a busy main city route after enjoying a Christmas night out.
Worcester Magistrates Court heard Leah Hodgetts had only had her licence for a year before committing the offence last month, and now faces a lengthy ban.
Hodgetts, of Orchard Grove, Littleworth, Worcester, admitted driving when her alcohol level was above the limit when she appeared at the court on Thursday, (January 12).
Fatima Yasmin, prosecuting, said police had been out on patrol in Worcester city centre on the night of December 14 when Hodgetts was spotted driving a red Ford Fiesta the wrong way in College Street.
Hodgetts then parked in a bus stop facing the wrong way, before being spoken to by police.
Hodgetts appeared drunk to officers who asked her if she had consumed alcohol, the prosecutor said.
The 22-year-old replied she 'had a little' before admitting she had drunk a whole pitcher of alcohol to herself.
The prosecutor said Hodgetts was taken to Worcester Police Station where the evidential specimen of breath the defendant gave was 54mcg of alcohol in 100ml of breath, which is above the legal limit of 35mcg.
Miss Yasmin added: "An aggravating feature is the unacceptable standard of driving."
Hodgetts, who had no previous convictions, represented herself and initially replied "no" when asked by the court clerk if there was anything she wanted to say about the offence.
When asked for further details Hodgetts explained she had parked and gone out for a meal with work colleagues, but stayed for drinks afterwards.
Hodgetts told Judith Hulland, chairman of the magistrates bench, she has had a driving licence since October 2021.
Sentencing her, the chairman said: "You went out, you knew you would be drinking," telling the defendant she should have thought about other means of transport that day.
The chairman said magistrates had considered the 54mcg reading and the poor driving, deciding to ban her for 14 months.
Hodgetts was offered the chance to take the drink-drive awareness court which, if she successfully completes, will reduce the ban by 14 weeks.
READ MORE: Defendant refused entry after being spotted drinking alcohol outside court
READ MORE: Prolific thief who once stole money from boy with cancer back in court
Hodgetts was also fined £215, and ordered to pay costs of £135 and victim surcharge of £86. She agreed to pay the total, £436, in full within 28 days.
The chairman added: "You must really forget driving until your ban is over.
"If you drive while disqualified that could carry a prison sentence."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here