Mercy mission driver over limit

Nicola Sproat, a fashion student, was over the limit when questioned by police.

Sproat, 30, of Maida Vale, Anchorsholme, pleaded guilty to driving with excess alcohol.

Malcolm Isherwood, prosecuting, said police were told a car was being driven by a possible drink-driver on January 31 at 4.15am.

Police saw the car, being driven by Sproat, pull into a driveway on Hawthorn drive, Thornton. A breath test showed 46 microgrammes of alcohol in her body - 35 is the limit.

David Charnley, defending, said his client, who had no previous convictions, had been at an address where a man who had drunk a lot had driven off in a BMW belonging to the householder.

Sproat did not want him to get in trouble so she went and retrieved the BMW, not realising she was slightly over the limit. Sproat was disqualified from driving for 12 months, fined £120 with £85 costs and ordered to pay £20 victims’ surcharge by Blackpool magistrates.