Downham Market woman in King’s Lynn court after drink-driving with headlight out

A court heard how police caught a woman drink driving after initially pulling her over for having a defective headlight.

Amy Green, 33, of Richmond Road in Downham, appeared at Lynn Magistrates’ Court on Thursday where she admitted driving above the specified alcohol limit.

Prosecutor Holly Postle said that the incident took place on New Year’s Eve last year, when police spotted Green driving a Mini Countryman along Lynn Road in Downham with a defective headlight.

She was stopped and asked to carry out a roadside breath test – which came back with a reading of 48mcg of alcohol per 100ml of breath. The legal limit is 35mcg.

In mitigation, Andrew Cogan explained that Green had never been in court before and has a child to look after.

Mr Cogan said: “She had just moved to Downham from Wisbech, she doesn’t know many people here to help her out.”

The solicitor explained that Green had been out for a meal with friends to celebrate one of them moving away.

She decided to go out to a nearby petrol station afterwards.

“There were no other people present and she had driven five minutes away. Unfortunately for her, the headlight was out. There was no suggestion that her manner of driving was bad,” Mr Cogan added.

“She has always abided by the law and has never been in trouble.”

Mr Cogan explained that the mandatory driving disqualification that comes with committing a drink driving offence will affect Green’s ability to take her child to school.

“She is beside herself for getting in this mess,” added Mr Cogan.

Green was disqualified from driving for 12 months and was fined £120.

She will also pay a victim surcharge of £48 and court costs of £50.