Maryport drink-driver crashed into van on Solway Industrial Estate

Police received a report of a driver who had collided with another vehicle on Solway Industrial Estate in Maryport on the morning of January 13, Workington Magistrates’ Court heard.

Pamela Fee, prosecuting, said officers had attended the home address of Barbara Wahl, 41. While police were at the address, Wahl returned through the back door and “smelled of intoxicants”.

A breath test was positive and she was taken to the police station. She gave a reading of 98mcg of alcohol in 100ml of breath. The legal limit is 35mcg.

The driver who was crashed into had given a description that matched the defendant’s appearance and said that her vehicle had collied with his, and had cracked the number plate.

Wahl told police that she had been drinking vodka the night before. She got up and realised she was late for work and got into the vehicle.

She said the incident happened “very quickly” and her car had made contact with a van. She stopped and a man came over and said she had hit his van.

Wahl said the man had grabbed her arm and she told him not to touch her.

She told police she knew she only had a provisional licence and said she was sorry for the damage she had caused to the other vehicle.

The defendant, who had no legal representation in court, said: “I’m really sorry. I have never felt more embarrassed in my life. I will never do anything like that again.”

Wahl, of Peart Road, Maryport, pleaded guilty to driving a vehicle with alcohol level above the limit, driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence and failing to stop after a road accident.

Magistrates imposed a 25-month driving ban, to be reduced by 25 weeks, if Wahl completes the drink-drivers’ rehabilitation course.

Wahl must abstain from drinking alcohol for 80 days and complete 80 hours of unpaid work. She must also pay £85 costs and a £114 victim surcharge.

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