MONMOUTH woman who faced a possible prison sentence after being convicted of a second drink-driving offence within a ten year period, had only now come to terms with her alcohol dependency, Abergavenny Magistrates heard last week.
Defending Sandra Baldwin, who appeared for sentence, Mr David Morgan said it was clear from medical reports that she was in extremely poor health.
But since seeing a Probation Officer, she had come to terms with the fact that she had a considerable alcohol dependency and realised the serious position she was in. Her breath/alcohol reading of 84 micrograms (the legal limit is 35) was high and it was her second drink-driving offence in ten years.
Her alcohol dependency had not been helped by the fact that she had mixed with heavy drinkers and at one time she and her then husband had been tenants of a public house.
Mrs Baldwin was anxious to take advantage of the drivers' rehabilitation scheme which could be of considerable help to her future life, said Mr Morgan.
She had the support of her family - to her credit her children were well balanced, with one hoping to go to university .
"Her children have given her immense strength and helped her come to terms with the position she's in," said Mr Morgan. Sending her to prison would be inappropriate but a long period of probation would be of benefit to her.
Mrs Baldwin, who is aged 47, of Wheatfield Close, was banned from driving for three years and told that this would be reduced by nine months if she successfully completes the drivers' rehabilitation scheme by March 1st 2003. She was also placed on probation for 12 months.
Prosecuting solicitor Mr John Williams said that acting on information they had received, police stopped Mrs Baldwin in Highfield Road, Osbaston, on the afternoon of June 22nd. Her breath smelt of intoxicants and a roadside test confirmed that she had been drinking.