A woman caught drink-driving at five times the legal limit failed in a bid today to have her case heard in secret.
Lucinda Knowles, 55, pleaded guilty to driving a Renault G-Scenic Dynamique on March 6th (2021) with excess alcohol.
The incident occurred on the B902 road near Bellsdyke, Larbert, in Stirlingshire.
She provided a sample of breath for analysis that proved on analysis to contain 110 microgrammes of alcohol per 100 millilitres.
The legal limit is 22.
Knowles, of Fulmar Crescent, Larbert, tendered her plea in open court after Sheriff Keith O'Mahony rejected an application by her lawyers, heard in chambers, for the case to be heard behind closed doors.
No reason for the unusual request was given in open court.
The court heard that Knowles' licence already had an endorsement relating to a previous drink-driving offence, dating from 2011.
Sheriff O'Mahony said: "Having regard to the reading, I'll defer for reports."
He told Knowles: "You have a previous conviction for drink-driving in the course of the last 10 years, and having regard to the fact that you have pled guilty to being five times in excess of the limit I'm going to defer for a criminal justice social work report and a restriction of liberty order assessment so the court can be fully informed as to the sentencing options."
He disqualified Knowles with immediate effect - the length of the ban will be decided at the sentencing hearing.
He told her: "That means you cannot drive away from this court - do you understand that? I'll hear the facts on the next occasion."
Knowles was ordained to appear in court again on April 23rd (2021).
