Veterinary nurse gets drink-driving ban after crash in Heath

Sarah Louise Winstone, 28, had been driving northbound near Heath along a 50mph stretch of road works on the M1 when she crashed into the back of another vehicle, according to a Chesterfield magistrates’ court hearing on Tuesday, January 26.

Prosecuting solicitor Rod Chapman said: “Police noticed there had been a rear-end shunt involving Winstone’s Nissan Micra which collided with the rear of another vehicle.

“Both vehicles came to a halt and there was a conversation and the other driver said he could smell alcohol on the defendant and she was unaware of her surroundings.”

Winstone was taken to hospital and treated for minor injuries, according to Mr Chapman, and she gave a drink-drive urine test which registered above the legal limit.

The defendant, of Debdale Gate, Mansfield Woodhouse, pleaded guilty to exceeding the alcohol drink-drive limit after the incident on November 29, last year.

Defence solicitor Amy Godson said Winstone had had two glasses of wine and had been heading to Sheffield to meet friends when the collision happened.

Ms Godson added: “She had separated from her partner and had lost weight and didn’t realise the effect the alcohol would have on her.

“She was described as being dazed and confused but the airbag had activated in her vehicle and it had struck her.”

Ms Godson also explained that Winstone is a veterinary nurse who works on call but her employers said her job could continue if the driving disqualification is a short one.

Magistrates sentenced Winstone to a 14-month driving disqualification with an option to reduce it by a quarter if she completes a drink-drive rehabilitation.

Winstone was also fined £461 and ordered to pay £85 costs and a £46 victim surcharge.