A woman drove her car into another vehicle after drinking "a large measure of vodka". Linda Newbury was well over double the alcohol limit when she crashed in Barry.
Prosecutor Mike Williams told Cardiff Magistrates' Court that a police officer was on routine patrol at 8.15pm on November 21 last year when he was asked to attend a crash scene on Kenilworth Road. A Ford Fiesta had been in collision with a Mazda6 which had sustained damage to its front nearside. A member of the public informed the officer that Newbury had gone into a nearby care home.
"The officer spoke to the defendant, who indicated she was sorry and she had accidentally hit a car," Mr Williams added. "The officer formed the opinion she was under the influence and carried out a breath test."
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Newbury, of Rhoose, blew 111mcg of alcohol per 100ml of breath at the scene. The 54-year-old was then tested again at Cardiff Bay police station where she blew 97mcg. The legal limit is 35mcg.
The prosecutor added that Newbury told police she had drunk alcohol that day including a "large measure of vodka", possibly four shots. She pleaded guilty to drink-driving and has only one previous offence on her record, an assault from 1998.
Representing herself, Newbury said she receives benefits because of her depression. Asked if there was anything she wished to say in mitigation, she said the relevant information was in the probation service's report, which was not read out in court.
Presiding Justice Mohammed Yakub said: "We give you full credit for your early guilty plea. We take into consideration the pre-sentence report and that there was an accident and a very high reading. We impose a 12-month community order with a 15-day rehabilitation activity requirement."
He also handed Newbury a 24-month driving ban which will be reduced by 24 weeks if she completes a driving rehabilitation course. She must pay a £120 fine, £114 victim services surcharge and £85 in prosecution costs.
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