A NORTH Cumbria motorist failed a roadside breath test while dressed in her pyjamas after making an ill-judged decision to drive following an argument.
Forty-year-old Viktorija Gorelconokaite came to the attention of police who received reports of a Peugeot being driven on the A686 between Carlisle and Brampton.
“The manner of driving,” prosecutor George Shelley told Carlisle Magistrates’ Court today (tues), “was all over the road, swerving into the opposite carriageway.”
Two officers were in uniform and on patrol at around 4.14am stopped the Peugeot.
Gorelconokaite was the driver and sole occupant of the vehicle. A roadside breath test proved positive, she was arrested and taken into custody.
There, a police officer attempted to put her through a test to obtain an evidential sample of breath.
“The officer has made many attempts to try to explain the procedure and shows great patience,” said Mr Shelley. “Eventually the defendant has been charged with failing to provide a specimen of breath.”
After Gorelconokaite admitted that charge in court, defence solicitor Neil Davies said she had been in an “emotional state” at the time.
In custody she needed to understand and know more about the process. When told she would be charged, Gorelconokaite had then said she would provide a specimen.
“She accepts she should have more promptly made the decision,” said Mr Davies.
Earlier that evening, Gorelconokaite had gone out with friends and was intending to stay with a couple before an argument ensued and she made a decision to drive.
“I understand at the time she was pulled over she was wearing pyjamas and she was ready for bed,” said the lawyer. “She accepts she had had a drink. She accepts she should not have driven. Unfortunately the situation arose and she made a decision to extricate herself from the situation she was in.”
Gorelconokaite, of St Ann’s Road, Carlisle, had no previous convictions. She had a responsible job as a manager within a business, said Mr Davies, who added: “In all other ways she is a very productive member of society.”
Magistrates imposed a £1,153 fine for the offence along with a 17-month driving ban. This will be reduced by 17 weeks if Gorelconokaite completes a rehabilitation course which was offered to her.
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