By Staff Reporter

Last updated at 11:25, Saturday, 16 February 2013

A part-time chef caused thousands of pounds-worth of damage by crashing a car while drink-driving.

Dianne Murray, 30, crashed her Suzuki Alto when she was more than three times over the legal limit.

Carlisle Magistrates’ Court heard that Murray, who works at a city centre pub, drove into a garden wall on Kirkstead Road, Belle Vue, on January 30.

A neighbour reported hearing a loud bang before looking out and seeing a road sign on the ground, extensive damage to the wall, and a crashed car.

When police arrived, Murray, of Newlaithes Avenue, Morton, was still in the car.

She failed an initial roadside breath test.

When tested again at Durranhill police station, she gave a breath test reading of just three times over the legal drink-drive limit of 35mg.

Defending Murray, her solicitor Geoff Lockerbie said his client was devastated and embarrassed by what had happened.

“Not a day goes by when she doesn’t regret what she did,” he added.

Mr Lockerbie said Murray, who pleaded guilty to drink-driving, had worked hard to buy the car, paid £300 to have it returned after the crash, then sold it for a lot less.

District Judge Gerald Chalk described the reading she was caught at as high.

He banned her from driving for two years and put her on a curfew – meaning Murray has to be electronically tagged – for 10 weeks between 7pm and 7am.

Murray must also pay £85 court costs and a £60 victim surcharge.

First published at 11:15, Saturday, 16 February 2013
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk