A Paisley woman who was banned from driving last week after drink-driving has had her ban extended after admitting a second incident of getting behind the wheel while over the limit.
Leain O’Brien was banned from driving last week at Paisley Sheriff Court after admitting she was under the influence while driving.
On Monday in the town’s court, O’Brien, 44, had her ban extended after admitting she was over double the legal drink-drive limit on July 30 last year.
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Prosecutor Amber Feeney told the court: “Around 5.40am on July 30, a witness saw the accused in the driver seat of a grey Vauxhall and drive away.
“A short time later other witnesses saw the car as they heard it skidding in the street and the accused exited from the car.
“O’Brien was then seen to stand at the end of another car and have a verbal argument with a male.
“Both the accused and the male entered a property when the car alarm began to sound. The accused exited the flat and switched the alarm off.
“Police attended at the scene and observed the accused in the driver’s seat of the car.
“Police asked the accused to provide a specimen of breath and she agreed. She was cautioned and charged and replied ‘I wasn’t driving, I was trying to switch the car alarm off.’”
The proportion of alcohol in O’Brien’s breath was 53mg. The legal limit is 22mg.
Defence solicitor Jim Clarke told the court O’Brien, of Ladykirk Crescent, had already been disqualified from driving – meaning the minimum ban the court could now impose was three years.
Mr Clarke added: “There is a regrettable background to this. There was a failing relationship background and she regrettably left the house in the state she was in.”
On sentencing, Sheriff Brian Mohan said: “You were driving while over the limit.
“What’s caused more concern is what’s in the criminal justice social work report and that you plead guilty last month to drink-driving.
“Abuse of drink or drugs has caused you to lose track of things.
“You have clearly got a lot of difficulties and in recent months these have caused you to face these road traffic problems.”
Sheriff Mohan banned O’Brien from driving for three years but if she successfully completes the drink-driver rehabilitation programme there will be a nine month reduction to her ban.
In addition, Sheriff Mohan made her subject to supervision of the social work department for 18 months, stating: "This is to address your substance and mental health difficulties.”
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