Derbyshire woman told police she had drunk one can of Carling and had gone out to buy more lager

Phillippa Grisdale was pulled over by police on December 27 this year and told police she had drunk one can of Carling and had gone out to buy more lager, Chesterfield Magistrates’ Court was told.

Prosecuting, Becky Allsop told the court: “Around midnight, police had received a report after she had posted a status on Facebook and friends were concerned for her.

“She told officers that she had driven to a service station to buy a crate of Foster’s.”

Grisdale, 34, of Grange Avenue, Chapel-en-le-Frith, admitted drink driving when she appeared before the court on Monday, January 11, and blew 52mg of alcohol to 100ml of breath, when the legal limit is 35mg.

Mitigating, Katie Hemstock told the court: “She has been going through some very difficult circumstances at the moment and had intended to take her own life and friends contacted police out of concern for her welfare.”

She added that Grisdale had several physical disabilities and had been left with her three children after separating from her husband around three years earlier.

The defendant’s car was also provided through the Motability Scheme and, after her inevitable driving ban, would have to return the vehicle, which had been specially adapted, and would not be eligible for another one for the next five years, the court heard.

Magistrates banned her for 12 months, fined her £80 and ordered her to pay £85 costs and a £34 victim surcharge.

Editor’s message: In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.