Southery drink-driver Maria Bird caught after pulling over at scene of crash

A drink-driver driving was caught on the way home after stopping at the scene of a crash to portray her concern.

Maria Bird, 54, of Ringmore Road in Southery, appeared at Lynn Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, where she admitted her offence.

Police were called to a collision on the junction of Upgate Street in Southery on August 10.

Although not being involved in the crash herself, Bird pulled over, got out of her Volkswagen Golf and made a “loud exclamation”.

Officers at the scene suspected that she was drunk, while a member of the public nearby said that Bird smelled of alcohol.

A roadside breath test came back positive, and she was arrested and taken to Lynn’s Police Investigation Centre for questioning.

Further tests revealed that Bird had 91mcg of alcohol per 100ml of breath. The legal limit to drive is 35mcg.

In mitigation, George Sorrell told the court that Bird had been at her local pub that evening and was on her way home.

The solicitor said Bird had been “seeking comfort in alcohol” after finding out her father was diagnosed with an illness.

“She pulled over out of concern that somebody had been badly injured,” Mr Sorrell said.

“It was out of concern for the people involved in the accident.”

The solicitor added that Bird works as a cook in South Wootton, but will lose her job as a result of her conviction.

“She has never been in trouble in her life,” Mr Sorrell added.

Bird was fined £538 and was disqualified from driving for 23 months.

She will also pay a £215 victim surcharge and court costs of £85.