Police stopped drink driver at 2am in Chester-le-Street car park

Rachel Bridgeford was at the wheel of a Volkswagen Golf stopped by police before she was able to drive away from a Chester-le-Street town centre car park, on Wednesday August 13.

Peterlee Magistrates Court heard that officers responded to a report of a woman potentially drink driving in the Low Chare car park, shortly after 2am.

Adam James Scott, prosecuting, told the court she failed a roadside breathalyser and was arrested.

(Image: The Northern Echo) She provided a further two samples on arrival at a police station, the lowest of which gave a reading showing 99mg of alcohol in 100ml of breath, compared to the limit for driving of 35mg.

The 45-year-old defendant of Gray Avenue, Chester-le-Street, admitted driving with excess alcohol in her system.

Warren Ridley, representing Bridgeford, said she pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity and has now lost her previous good character as a result.

Mr Ridley said his client had been out for a meal with a friend, but when her friend left, she went back into the pub for more drinks and was then unable to get a taxi.

“She told the barmaid where her car was parked and walked to it.

“She was stopped before she had even left the car park.”

Mr Ridley said the defendant was a professional person who worked as a parish administrator and, due to this incident, she resigned from the position with the council in Pelton, near Chester-le-Street.

“She, therefore, has no income and is supported by a relative.

“She accepts she has an issue with alcohol and does tend to binge drink.”

But Mr Ridley said she now goes to Alcoholics Anonymous meetings and has been diagnosed with severe depression and anxiety, for which she has medication.

“So, she is a first-time offender and is addressing her alcohol issues.”

Magistrates’ chair John Oulton told the defendant: “Sadly, you have now lost your good name today with this drink driving offence.

“It’s quite a high reading (99mg).

“But you seem to have realised alcohol is an issue.”

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The magistrates imposed a 26-month driving disqualification.

But the defendant was told can reduce the length of the ban by almost two months by completing a drink-drive rehabilitation course, by March 9, 2027.

Bridgeford was also fined £200, with an £80 statutory court surcharge and an £85 costs order.