More than three-year drink driving ban for woman caught a second time

A crash in Pinchbeck has led to a 28-year-old motorist’s second conviction for drink-driving.

Beth Turnell has been banned for 40 months and will no longer be able to continue her role as an equine physical therapist, Boston Magistrates’ Court heard on Wednesday.

Turnell ran into a dyke in Money Bridge Lane in a Land Rover Discovery at about 6pm on March 25.

She was helped out of the vehicle by members of the public.

Prosecutor Shelley Wilson said: “Police attended and noted her demeanour – she smelt of intoxicant and was unsteady on her feet.”

Turnell, of Northgate, West Pinchbeck, was arrested after failing a breath test.

At Boston’s Pilgrim Hospital she gave a sample which showed 191 milligrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of blood. The legal limit is 80.

The defendant pleaded guilty to drink-driving and the court heard she had a previous conviction for the same offence in 2017.

Mike Alexander, mitigating, said she was a “hardworking member of the community”.

“Clearly, on this particular day she was suffering from a mini breakdown. There were a number of other matters I won’t mention in court,” he added. “She wishes to thank the people who pulled her out. In the cold light of day, she realises her emotions had got the better of her.

“This is a lady who has demonstrated responsibility for her actions and taken steps to try and control her own emotions.”

Turnell, who was also fined £120, can cut her ban with completion of a drink-drive rehabilitation course.

She was also ordered to pay £133 in costs and victim surcharge.