Driver, 69, caught drink-driving

8:50am Saturday 16th August 2008

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A PENSIONER who had been looking after her grandchildren was caught drink driving in Stroud on her way home, a court heard.

Judith Smith, aged 69, of The Butts, Gloucester, was stopped by police in London Road, Stroud, after they saw her drive through a red traffic light at 11.30pm on Saturday, June 14.

Sharon Green, prosecuting at Stroud Magistrates' Court, said: "Police conducted a road side breath test, and then arrested Smith and took her to the station where she took a blood test.

"They found Smith had not less than 100 milligrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of blood, the limit being 80."

Smith, who represented herself, said: "I was looking after my grandchildren at my daughter's house and had had about three glasses of wine.

"I meant to stay over but then decided I would drive home because I wanted the comfort of my own bed. I regret driving now and realise it was stupid."

Smith was fined £250 and ordered to pay costs of £60 and a victim surcharge of £15.

She was disqualified from driving for 12 months.