A Paisley mum has been banned from the roads after being caught almost three times the legal drink-drive limit on the way to see her unwell son.
Sakhile Khumalo got behind the wheel of a BMW without any insurance and while almost three times the limit when she learned from her ex-partner that her son was “struggling to breathe”.
The 30-year-old counselling student made a “stupid mistake” which has resulted in her being banned from the roads for 12 months.
Procurator fiscal depute Tracy Wright told Paisley Sheriff Court the incident took place in the town’s Canal Street which is a four-lane carriageway and is a 30mph zone.
Ms Wright explained: “Shortly after half past midnight on October 5, police officers had reason to stop the accused’s vehicle.
“When asked for proof of insurance, the accused explained she didn’t have any.
“When talking to the accused, officers could smell alcohol on the accused.
“She failed a roadside breath test and was taken to a local police office to be processed.”
Defence agent Ms Wayson told the court Khumalo, of Maxwellton Court in the town, regrets her actions.
Ms Wayson added: “This was a stupid mistake.
“She didn’t intend on drink driving that night but she has a three-year-old son who she has shared contact with.
“Her ex-partner contacted her on that evening stating their son, who has asthma and has been in hospital before due to his asthma, was unwell.
“Her former partner stated her son was wheezy and that he was struggling to breathe.
“She had a drink in her flat that night and when she learned this information she went straight to Tesco for medicine, but this was closed, and she admits she was under the influence, but she wanted to get to her son who was unwell and she now wishes she hadn’t.
“She is studying at West Scotland College and is working, although not since July, as an agency carer.”
Khumalo admitted to driving on October 5 in Canal Street with no insurance and with 63mg of alcohol in 100ml of breath.
The legal limit is 22mg.
Sentencing, Sheriff Eoin McGinty said: “You were almost three times the limit and that has to be reflected in the sentence.”
Sheriff McGinty banned Khumalo from driving for 12 months and imposed a fine of £320, to be paid at the rate of £30 per month.
Sheriff McGinty warned: “If you drive in the next 12 months and you are caught, you’ll be brought back here and it’s likely you’ll be sent to prison.”
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