A law student was caught drink-driving after she staggered off a train following a day out at Manchester Christmas markets.
Victoria France, 24, was reported to a police officer at Stoke-on-Trent railway station by a member of the public who suspected she may have consumed alcohol.
Magistrates at North Staffordshire Justice Centre heard France had just returned from visiting the Manchester Christmas markets on November 30, Stoke-on-Trent Live reports.
Prosecutor Carla Harris said: “A police officer on duty was by the train station at 5.20pm when he was approached by a member of the public who pointed to a red Astra travelling very slowly in traffic. They said they had seen the driver staggering before getting into the vehicle.
“The officer signalled for the driver to stop. The officer said the defendant’s eyes were glazed and she smelled of intoxicating liquor. She provided a positive breath test.”
France, of Rushcliffe Drive, Meir Park, gave an alcohol reading of 42 micrograms in 100 millilitres of breath – the legal limit is 35.
She pleaded guilty to driving while over the alcohol limit.
Scott Ashdown, mitigating, said: “She had been visiting Manchester to enjoy the markets. She returned via train and believed she was okay to drive. She says the reason she was staggering was because of the high heels she was wearing.
“She’s a law student. She will not be able to continue with her part time work because it will not be financially viable without her driving licence.”
Magistrates fined France £200 and ordered her to pay £135 court costs and a £32 victim surcharge.
She was banned from driving for 12 months, which will be reduced if she completes a drink drive rehabilitation course.
