A Renfrew mum has been banned from driving after she was caught behind the wheel while almost five times the legal limit after a Sunday dinner with friends.
Sozzled Michelle Ferries, 48, got behind the wheel of her Vauxhall Corsa on October 11, 2020 after the boozy Sunday meal.
Ferries, of Bruce Road, had her dog with her at her friend’s home and chose to drive rather than get a taxi.
Procurator fiscal depute Maria Murdoch told Paisley Sheriff Court: “Around 11pm a witness saw a car on the M8 driving from Glasgow to Paisley.
“She saw the vehicle verging on the road and slowing down to a speed of 30mph.
“Police were contacted and they attended and caught up with the accused’s car.
“The car was brought to a stop in Renfrew and the accused identified herself.
“A roadside breath test was carried out and the accused was asked if she had consumed any alcohol in the last 20 minutes.
“She stated: ‘I’ve had a few drinks in the last few hours.’
“Ferries was arrested and taken to the police station when she blew an alcohol reading of 109mg in 100ml of breath.
“She was cautioned and charged and made no reply.”
Prior to her trial on Wednesday in the town’s court, Ferries admitted she was almost five times the legal drink-drive limit on Renfrew’s Sandy Road, on October 11, 2020.
The legal limit is 22mg in 100ml of breath.
Defence agent Manus Tolland told the court Ferries has been driving for 15 years and on this night she made a “stupid” decision to drive after being at a friend’s house.
Mr Tolland added: “She had been at a family friend’s for Sunday dinner with the intention of staying overnight.
“Her friend went to bed and she had what she describes as a panic attack.
“She had her dog with her and stupidly didn’t get a taxi and made the stupid and foolish decision to drive.”
Sentencing, Sheriff Eoin McGinty said: “This was an exceptionally high reading, fractionally under five-times the limit.
“It’s only sheer luck you didn’t hurt anyone or worse.”
Sheriff McGinty banned Ferries from driving for two years and imposed a fine of £690 to be paid at £20 per week.
He also allowed Ferries to reduce her ban by six months if she successfully completes the drink-drive rehabilitation programme.
Don't miss the latest headlines from around Renfrewshire. Sign up to our newsletters here. Download the FREE Renfrewshire Live app now for all the latest news, features and sport in your area.
