Sunderland woman gets 24-month ban after being caught drink driving twice in 10 days

Karen Robson, 54, of Farrington Avenue, Farringdon, Sunderland, sank the tipple at a friend’s house on Wednesday, June 24 – then drove her Mini Cooper motor.

But she was stopped by police on the A184 Newcastle Road and a breath test showed she was twice the limit, South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court heard.

And on Saturday, July 4, she repeated her booze blunder by drinking at a party and again getting behind the wheel.

Prosecutor Ben Woodward said police were waiting for her as she alighted at home and ran inside.

He confirmed Robson gave a slightly higher reading – and was arrested a second time.

She has now been handed the 24-month ban after defending herself in court and insisting she did not have a booze problem.

Mr Woodward said: “The defendant was driving on the A184 and veering across the outside lane.

“She failed a roadside breath test and was taken into custody.

“On July 4 police attended her address in Farringdon Road after a report of a possible drink-driver.

“She got out of her car and ran into her home. The officers took the view that she was drunk.”

For the first offence, Robson gave a reading of 69mcgs of alcohol in 100mls of breath, and 74mcgs in the second. The legal limit is 35mcgs.

Giving evidence, Robson said she had been diagnosed with skin cancer and twice drank alcohol in response to her diagnosis.

She told the hearing: “It was just stupid. I’d just been diagnosed with skin cancer and had a couple of gins at a friend’s.

“It was out at a party the next time. I’ve never been drunk since September, it’s given me a shock. I’ve never drank and driven.

“Since being given medication I don’t drink anymore. I’m selling my car.”

Robson was given an interim driving ban in January when she first appeared in court to plead guilty to two charges of drink-driving.

She was also handed an 18-month community order, with a requirement of 60 hours of unpaid work and 25 days of rehabilitation work with the Probation Service.

Robson must also pay a £95 victim surcharge and £85 court costs.

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