Lucy Lancaster crashed Citroen in Malvern before drink driver arrest

Lucy Lancaster, of Partletts Way, Powick, Worcester was ordered to do unpaid work and given a lengthy driving ban by Worcester magistrates. 

Azeifna Adams said the 40-year-old had driven a Citreon before swerving onto a footpath and crashing into a parked van. 

Miss Adams said the crash took place at 6am on December 21 last year in Madresfield Road, Malvern.

The prosecutor said: "The van was a write-off. 

COURT: Lucy Lancaster outside Worcester Magistrates Court (Image: Sam Greenway/Newsquest)

"A member of the public saw the car was stationary for two minutes before reversing, and continuing to drive."

Miss Adams said police later attended Lancaster's home and saw a glass of wine in front of her. 

The defendant took a roadside breathalyser test which showed she had 95mcg in 100ml of breath (the legal limit being 35mcg) before she was arrested.

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When she was taken to the police station Lancaster did not give an evidential specimen of breath. 

Miss Adams said: "She was asked to take the test, she said 'no'.

"An officer asked her why, she replied 'because I can'.

"It is a deliberate refusal."

In police interview, Lancaster told police she could not remember what happened or why she did what she did. 

COURT: Lucy Lancaster's case was heard at Worcester Magistrates Court

The prosecutor added the defendant had no previous convictions but her good character was now lost after admitting to failing to provide a specimen and being the driver of a vehicle who failed to stop after a road accident. 

Gerry Vahey, defending, said: "It was foolish that she did not provide, she does regret it."

The solicitor said there had been a medical reason she did not provide but Lancaster had accepted her guilt.

Andrew Greenway, chairman of the magistrates bench, said: "Driving under the influence of alcohol is a very serious offence.

"You are lucky you didn't hurt yourself or someone else."

Lancaster was given a 12-month community order which requires she complete 150 hours of unpaid work and 15 rehabilitation activity requirement days.

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She was disqualified from driving for 29 months but was offered the chance to do the drink-drive awareness course which, if successfully completed, will reduce her ban length. 

Lancaster was ordered to pay £100 compensation to the owner of the van, costs of £135 and victim surcharge of £114.

She offered to pay the £349 total at a rate of £20 per month, an offer accepted by magistrates. 

As she left court Lancaster was reminded she was immediately banned and if she drove while disqualified she risked being sent to prison. 

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