A Swindon woman has been handed a suspended prison sentence after being caught drink driving less than 24 hours after receiving a driving ban for a previous offence.
Ellie Watson, 27, of Church Walk North, appeared before Swindon Magistrates’ Court after being stopped by police on Ocotal Way shortly after being disqualified from driving.
The court heard that Watson had been banned from driving for two years on a Wednesday following a drink-driving offence committed in April.
However, less than a day later, she was found behind the wheel again after consuming alcohol.
Police said Watson was stopped by PC Head from the Dogs Section and subsequently failed a roadside breath test.
She recorded a reading of 109 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath at the roadside. The legal limit is 35.
Following her arrest, a further evidential test in custody produced a reading of 95.
Officers said Watson admitted drinking a bottle of wine before driving.
She was charged with drink driving, driving while disqualified and driving without insurance before being remanded into custody ahead of her court appearance.
At a hearing on 28 May, magistrates sentenced Watson to eight weeks’ imprisonment, suspended for 12 months.
She was also disqualified from driving for a further 42 months and handed a 12-month community order, which includes 15 Rehabilitation Activity Requirement (RAR) days.
PC Head described the case as particularly concerning given the short period between the original ban and the latest offence.
“Watson’s actions are absolutely appalling and show absolutely no consideration or respect for other road users,” he said.
“Drink driving can and does kill and to be caught almost immediately after being disqualified for an identical previous offence is completely unacceptable.
“She is now disqualified from driving for the next three and a half years, and if she is caught again then she is liable to be sent to prison.”
Wiltshire Police continue to urge motorists to avoid driving after consuming alcohol, warning that even a single poor decision can have devastating consequences for drivers, passengers and other road users.
