A teenage driver who had been drinking alcohol was seen "swerving" along roads by police following an argument with her boyfriend.
Sophie Jackson was seen behind the wheel of a Volkswagen Polo when she "overshot" a junction and drove out in front of an unmarked police car. The officers then followed her home and she was seen "swerving" and "drifting" along roads until she pulled up to her driveway and "edged" into the wall of her house.
The 19-year-old was described as having "glazed eyes" and was "emotional" when officers arrested her on August 13 this year. On Tuesday, Jackson, of Newhaven Avenue, Sunderland, appeared at South Tyneside Magistrates' Court where she pleaded guilty to driving whilst being unfit through drink.
Read more: Drink-driver ran off after causing death of newly-wed woman in horror A1(M) crash in County Durham
Greg Flaxen, prosecuting, said police became aware of Jackson near to Thompson Road in Sunderland. He said: "The defendant overshot a junction and pulled out in front of an unmarked police car and swerved into the opposite carriageway. Due to the manner of driving, the car was followed and was seen drifting towards the centre of the carriageway."
Jackson made her way through Southwick and past a police station as she drove around 10mph over the speed limit and drifted into lanes. Mr Flaxen said: "She sped up without hesitation and travelled over a crossroads. She later pulled onto a driveway and edged into the wall of the house before getting out. She was emotional and her eyes were glazed and officers could smell intoxicating liquor." Jackson claimed she'd "only had a couple" before being arrested.
Geoffrey Forrester, defending, said Jackson is a "decent girl from a decent family". He said: "Her boyfriend has issues and there were concerns about his welfare. There was something of an argument and she went to find him. She realised that was silly and went home. Her parents are mortified about this and she understands how fortunate she has been."
District Judge, Zoe Passfield, fined Jackson £250 and banned her from driving for 18 months. She must pay £85 costs and a £100 surcharge and complete a rehabilitation course.
Read next:
Man slashed dad in face with Stanley knife blade outside County Durham primary school
Drink-driver ran off after causing death of newly-wed woman in horror A1(M) crash in County Durham
Sunderland drink-driver gave one of the 'highest' breath test readings judge had ever seen
Elswick thug attacked girlfriend with mop handle and smashed through her window armed with a knife
