July 6, 2010 4.14 pm This story is over 171 months old

Man stops, turns in drunk erratic driver

Drink driving: A man noticed the erratic driving of a fellow motorist, only to realise the smell of alcohol on the woman’s breath.

A member of the public was so concerned at the erratic driving of Rita Rowson that he stopped her car and called the police, a court heard.

Lincoln magistrates were told the man saw Rowson’s Corsa on Boultham Park Road and when both vehicles got to the roundabout, he stopped her, spoke to her about her driving, and noted the smell of alcohol on her breath.

“A breath test was positive and further analysis revealed that she was almost twice the legal limit with 73 mg of alcohol in 100 ml of breath,” Shelley Wilson, prosecuting, said.

Rowson (61) of Remus Court, North Hykeham, admitted drink driving on June 13. Anthony Frietas, representing, said Rowson drank sherry and whisky after a row with her partner over a divorce.

“She felt she had no choice after the row than to leave. The offence occurred because of a build up of stress but she accepts that she should not have been drinking then drove afterwards,” Frietas said.

The court was told that Rowson was a woman of previous good character who police described as very polite and eager to please when interviewed about the offence.

Magistrates banned her from driving for 20 months with a five month reduction if she completes a rehabilitation course. She was fined £120 and ordered to pay a £15 victim surcharge and £85 costs.

Photo: Andi C