A teacher was more than four times the legal drink-drive limit when caught by police following a crash in Dunfermline.
Julie Thorburn (also known as Young) pled guilty to driving under the influence (96mics/22) at Halbeath Roundabout, the A907 road, Pittsburgh Road, and elsewhere in Fife on June 28 this year.
The 45-year-old, of Kirkcaldy’s Fair Isle Road, appeared at Dunfermline Sheriff Court for sentencing this week.
Sheriff Susan Duff told her: “This was a high reading of 4.5 times the legal limit but I’m prepared to deal with it by way of community disposal.”
Sheriff Duff banned Thorburn from driving for a year and ordered her to carry out 200 hours of unpaid work.
Traced after crash
Procurator fiscal depute Eve McKaig told the court previously that police were notified of a road collision involving a vehicle being driven by a female who appeared to be “drunk and disorientated” heading towards the A92.
Officers attended at the scene and traced the vehicle, which was signalled to stop.
Young was identified as the driver.
Ms McKaig said: “It was immediately clear the accused appeared to be slurring words and incoherent and unsteady on her feet and also smelled strongly of alcohol.
“It was explained to her by officers why she was stopped and she began making incoherent remarks regarding the earlier accident.”
Defence lawyer Ian Beatson said Thorburn appreciates the seriousness of her actions and regrets what happened.
He said his client has experienced difficulties, including an “acrimonious separation,” which have led her into debt problems and alcoholism, an issue she is taking steps to address.
Mr Beatson told the court Thorburn is in employment and worked in a school but is currently suspended in relation to another matter.
The solicitor also stressed his client has no previous convictions.
