Uninsured Sunderland mum banned after driving erratically at 5am

Mum-of-two Michaela Reeves, 44, of Rosslyn Terrace, Millfield, said she would not do so unless her solicitor was present – an option not available to those suspected of boozing behind the wheel, a court heard.

She is now starting a 17-month ban after pleading guilty to failing to co-operate with a preliminary test – and to driving without insurance and a licence - at South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court.

The court was told she was spotted by police driving a 2003-registered Nissan Micra erratically, including hitting a curb, in Pennywell Road, Sunderland, at 5am on Friday, December 27.

Officers followed her into nearby Portsmouth Road, where they approach the vehicle and found her in the driving seat, it was said.

Prosecutor Paul Anderson told the court: “This lady was the driver, she was in the driver’s seat.

“She gives a positive roadside test but then when she gets to the police station wouldn’t comply with the Camic procedure.

“She said she had mental health issues and would wait for her solicitor which is not an option available.”

Tracey Wood, defending, said: “She is extremely sorry for her actions on this evening. She clearly knows that her actions were wrong. This lady tells me that she does suffer from mental health problems.

“She tells me that when she was in the police station she knows that she should have provide a sample. She was waiting for her solicitor. This lady is remorseful for her actions.”

Reeves was banned from the roads for failing to co-operate with the test, for which she was also handed a 12-month community order with a requirement to carry out 80 hours of unpaid work, 10 days’ rehabilitation work with the Probation Service, and 14 sessions on the Drink Impaired Drivers’ Programme.

She must also pay a £90 victim surcharge and £85 court costs. There was no separate penalty for the other offences.