A POWYS woman has been banned from driving after she was spotted by police following reports to them of a welfare concern.
Josie Evans, 31, appeared in court for the first time in her life this week, admitting one charge of drink driving at Welshpool Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, November 19.
Evans, of Abertridwr, Llanwddyn, was stopped by a Dyfed Powys Police officer driving her Citroen DS3 on the B4393 near Lake Vyrnwy on August 15, and found to be over the legal drink drive limit at the scene.
Prosecutor Helen Tench said Evans was stopped at around 11.30pm.
“Police were searching for the defendant following concerns raised of someone drinking and taking paracetamol,” said Mrs Tench.
“While out on the B4393 near Lake Vyrnwy, the vehicle described passed the officer, going in the opposite direction, so he followed and stopped it.
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“When asked if she had taken paracetamol, she said no but admitted she had drunk three pints.”
Mrs Tench said Evans was taken to hospital in Shrewsbury, where analysis confirmed a reading above the legal limit. Mrs Tench said Evans had no previous convictions.
The reading provided was one of 181 milligrams of alcohol in urine – the legal limit is 107 micrograms.
Rob Hanratty, defending Evans, said: “She has never been in court before, and hopes she never will be again.
“This was a welfare inquiry. There was no issue regarding the manner of her driving. It was about the matter of alcohol that had been consumed.
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“She was fully cooperative at the roadside and hospital. She is on long-term sick and is willing to take a drink drive improvement course.”
Magistrates banned Evans for 15 months, one she can reduce by completing an awareness course.
She was also fined £80 and told to pay £85 costs and a £32 surcharge.
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