Chesterfield woman drove while over the limit

Charlene Blackett was pulled over by police on the A61 Dronfield by-pass on January 3 at about 8.45pm, Chesterfield Magistrates’ Court was told on Tuesday, January 28.

The court was told that Blackett, 27, of Chesterfield Road, North Wingfield, had been at home alone following the breakdown of her marriage.

Her former partner had made trips to remove property on previous occasions, and the defendant had then received phone calls from her ex’ and his friends, saying they were going to come to her home and take more items, the court heard.

Prosecuting, Ian Shaw said: “The vehicle pulled out in front of the officer, causing him to break. He then followed it and observed it swerving between carriageways.”

Blackett, who admitted drink driving, blew 65 microgrammes of alcohol in 100ml of breath, when the legal limit is 35.

Mitigating, Kirsty Sergent said: “In relation to this matter it’s quite a sad set of circumstances. She’s currently going through a divorce.

“She’s beside herself for bringing herself before the courts. She will be able to keep her employment in telephone sales, but will have to find a way of travelling to Woodseats.

“She’s usually a law abiding person who’s going through some very difficult times.”

Blackett was banned from driving for 17 months, but was offered a drink drive rehabilitation course, which would reduce the disqualification by 18 weeks if completed by December 19 this year.

She was also fined £320 and ordered to pay £85 costs and a £32 victim surcharge.