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Drink-driver from Folkestone pulled over after driving in dark without headlights on

A mum was found to be more than twice the legal drink-drive limit after she was pulled over for driving in the dark without her headlights on.

Emma Clark told a court she thought she would be OK to drive, despite having drunk red wine, because she had eaten a roast dinner.

Clark was given a breath test and was found to be twice the legal drink-drive limit
Clark was given a breath test and was found to be twice the legal drink-drive limit

She was spotted by police behind the wheel of a Vauxhall Corsa in Folkestone at about 5.50pm on Sunday, January 29.

When she was stopped she was alone in the car and admitted to officers she had had one glass of red wine.

She was asked to do a roadside breath test which proved positive and she was arrested on suspicion of drink-driving.

The 39-year-old community care worker gave a reading of 83 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath. The legal limit is 35.

Clark, of Wear Bay Road, Folkestone, was charged with drink-driving and admitted the offence when she appeared at Folkestone Magistrates Court last week, on Wednesday, March 1.

Clark admitted drink-driving when she appeared at Folkestone Magistrates Court
Clark admitted drink-driving when she appeared at Folkestone Magistrates Court

Julie Farbrace, prosecuting, said: "She was seen driving in New Street and officers pulled her over in Dover Road, as her headlights had not come on.

"She was spoken to and said she'd had one glass of red wine. A roadside test proved positive.

"She's of previous good character and has a full licence."

District Judge Justin Barron also heard from Clark herself, who admitted in the dock she had actually had two glasses of wine, but had eaten a roast dinner so thought she would be OK.

The mother-of-three said: "I am sorry. I've let everyone down.

"I've never done anything before. I was selfish. I made a stupid decision."

Judge Barron banned Clark from driving for 18 months and fined her £346 and ordered she pay a victim surcharge of £138 and £85 court costs.

If Clark completes a drink-driving course, her ban will be reduced by a quarter.

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