A Sunderland woman thanked the stranger who alerted police after officers found her in a running car while more than three times the alcohol limit.
A Sunderland woman has thanked the member of the public who contacted police after finding her intoxicated in a parked car, saying the intervention may have saved her life and protected others.
Jacqueline Robinson, 60, appeared before South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court after police found her sitting in the driver’s seat of her Nissan Micra on Ashdown Road in Farringdon. The vehicle’s engine was running when officers arrived.
Police responded to reports from a concerned passer-by on Wednesday, December 3. Officers noticed Robinson’s speech was slow and arrested her before taking her into custody for further tests.
A blood sample later revealed an alcohol level of 275mg per 100ml of blood. The legal limit is 80mg. The result placed her at more than three times the legal limit.
Prosecutors told the court that no one had seen Robinson driving the car. As a result, she was charged with being in charge of a motor vehicle while over the legal alcohol limit rather than drink driving.
Robinson admitted the offence.
After magistrates sentenced her, Robinson addressed the court with an emotional apology.
“I’m really sorry,” she said.
She then thanked the person who raised the alarm.
“Whoever said I was drunk saved my life and saved other lives as well.”
Defence solicitor Angus Westgarth said Robinson had been struggling with severe depression at the time of the incident.
He told the court she had intended to end her life that day and was not thinking clearly.
Mr Westgarth also said Robinson had become deeply anxious since her arrest. He explained that she had repeatedly contacted him for updates because she had never faced criminal proceedings before.
The defence added that there was no evidence Robinson had driven dangerously before the incident. Her solicitor also told the court she had taken positive steps to rebuild her life.
Magistrates chose not to disqualify Robinson from driving. Instead, they endorsed her licence with 10 penalty points.
The court also fined her £791. She must pay a £316 victim surcharge and £85 in court costs, bringing the total financial penalty to £1,192.
The case highlights the importance of reporting concerns when someone appears unfit to drive. In this instance, one member of the public’s decision to contact police may have prevented serious harm and ultimately gave Robinson the chance to rebuild her life.