A student made a “catastrophic” decision to move her car to avoid a parking ticket – and instead got caught drink-driving.
Georgia Bland has now been handed a roads ban and a hefty fine after she was found to be over the legal limit.
The 29-year-old was caught on Whitehall Place in Aberdeen in the early hours of May 5 last year, Aberdeen Sheriff Court was told.
Fiscal depute Jane Spark said: “The accused was driving her vehicle at 3.30am when police officers came upon her. She had been drinking and drink-driving procedure checks were carried out.”
Thought she was ‘avoiding any wrongdoing’
Bland, a second-year university student, admitted to driving with 73 milligrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of blood, the legal limit being 50 milligrammes.
Defence agent Liam McAllister said his client made a “catastrophic and foolish decision to drive just a short distance”.
“She had been drinking with a friend,” he explained.
“Her car was double parked and she thought a short move of the vehicle to avoid any wrongdoing at that time would be the best course of action.
“She has regretted that catastrophic decision ever since.”
He presented multiple character references to Sheriff Margaret Hodge and suggested Bland would be suitable for a drink-driver rehabilitation scheme to educate her.
‘Your character references give me an idea of the kind of person you are’
“It was a misjudgement on her part,” he added. “She is aware it was a catastrophic and foolish decision to drive a short distance.”
Sheriff Margaret Hodge told the student: “Clearly you made a wrong decision that night.
“I take into account the circumstances that you were moving your car. You made the wrong decision which may impact on your future. I hope not.
“Your character references give me an idea of the kind of person you are.”
The sheriff handed Bland, of Grosvenor Place, Aberdeen, a one-year roads ban and a £360 fine.
The ban term can be reduced by 25% if the drink-driver rehabilitation scheme is completed.
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