A north-east hairdresser who refused to carry out a breath test has been allowed to keep her licence – so she can continue her charity work with the terminally ill.
Gemma Taylor yesterday admitted failing to cooperate with a preliminary breath test on November 2 last year after police officers suspected she was over the drink-drive limit.
Fiscal depute Jamie Dunbar said it was around 4am when police officers “had cause” to stop a black BMW on Grey Street in Aberdeen.
After Taylor was identified as the driver, they asked her to carry out a preliminary breath test but she refused.
She was then cautioned and charged and taken to Kittybrewster police station.
Representing the 33-year-old, solicitor Christopher Maitland said his client had “panicked” when she was stopped by the police.
He said: “This was the first time she had been in the back of a police car and she panicked. She has no previous convictions.
“The loss of her licence would cause her some difficulty. She is a self-employed hairdresser. Although she rents a chair at a salon in the city centre a large proportion of her work requires her to travel to weddings across the country.
“She frequently travels to venues south of Edinburgh so would rely heavily on her car.”
Mr Maitland added that in her spare time Taylor, of Flat C, 85 Eday Road, Aberdeen, carries out free hairdos for charity.
The court heard that she frequently volunteers for fashion shows cancer charities are holding and spends time working for free in Roxburghe House working with the terminally ill.
Mr Maitland added: “It is a matter which my client understands the court would be seriously considering disqualification. If that was the case I ask that only a short disqualification period be imposed.”
However, Sheriff Alison Stirling was persuaded to instead issue Taylor with four penalty points so she can keep his licence. She also fined her £350.