Isle of Wight drink driver shared 'four bottles of wine' with friend

Vanessa Richardson, of New Road in Brading, attended the IW Magistrates’ Court on Friday, November 8, and pleaded guilty to drink driving.

Lauren McConnell, prosecuting, said Richardson had been drinking all evening at The Reef on Sandown Esplanade.

Police were tipped off that she was intending to drive her vehicle.

The Reef on Sandown Esplanade (Image: Google Maps) Police caught up with the car on College Close and found the 68-year-old at the wheel of the Dacia Duster with a passenger onboard, said Ms McConnell.

The court heard that Richardson provided a positive roadside alcohol test and confessed to officers that she had shared four bottles of wine with a friend during the afternoon and evening.

Oscar Vincent, defending, said his client's 12-month long relationship had ended, during which she had been allegedly subject to violence and abuse.

Read more: Latest round up of Isle of Wight Magistrates' Court cases

The court heard that Richardson had booked a holiday to the Middle East, but she suffered a breakdown due to the impact the relationship had on her and she was unable to travel.

The stress and upset had been building up when Richardson’s friend invited her for lunch, where she consumed more alcohol than she usually would, Mr Vincent said.

Magistrates told Richardson: “It was a foolish decision, there’s no doubt about that. It is fortunate that no one was hurt.”

Richardson was handed a 17-month driving disqualification and was ordered to pay a £120 fine, £85 in costs and a £48 surcharge.