Drink-driver smashed into parked van

Burnley magistrates were told how Catherine Emma Beer (22) had been helped from her car by a member of the public and was in the back of an ambulance when police arrived at the 9-34am crash.

Beer, who had suffered only superficial cuts and didn’t need hospital treatment, smelled of alcohol and failed a roadside breath test. She was taken to the police station, where she blew 55 micrograms of alcohol in 100 litres of breath. The legal limit is 35.

The defendant, who had no previous convictions, admitted driving with excess alcohol on Ightenhill Park Lane, Burnley, on June 18th. Beer, of Torver Close, Burnley, was banned for 15 months and must pay a total of £255 in a fine, victim surcharge and costs.

Prosecutor Mr Andrew Robinson said when the defendant was questioned, she told police she went to bed about 1am, later got up and believed she was OK to drive.

Beer, who was not legally represented, told the court she had been out the night before with friends and didn’t realise she had “had that much”. She said she was in a state of shock after the collision, but had a total recollection of bumping into the trailer.

The defendant started crying as she continued: “I obviously just didn’t expect for it to happen. It’s not a recurring pattern. It’s not a regular thing.”

Beer, who is about to start a new job, told the bench she had been very upset that day. She went on: “My dad passed away around June. That weekend was Father’s Day.”