A deputy district judge who sentenced Christina Froud concluded the 62-year-old needed “more help than anything else” after hearing of personal difficulties she had experienced before the offence.
This was committed at Chapel Street, Appleby-in-Westmorland. Prosecutor George Shelley told Carlisle Magistrates’ Court how Froud had been behind the wheel of a Ford Mondeo which was stopped by police on 12th September.
Froud failed a breath test at the scene which showed she was over the legal limit. “She was arrested and conveyed to custody,” said Mr Shelley.
An evidential sample subsequently showed 98 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath — approaching three times the legal driving limit of 35mcg.
Froud pleaded guilty to an excess alcohol offence last month, when her case was adjourned for the preparation of a probation service pre-sentence report.
She was said to have a relevant previous conviction — one of drink-driving which dated back to August, 2016. Because she had committed two such offences within a 10-year period, she was liable for a minimum driving disqualification of three years.
Froud was not represented by a solicitor at the sentencing hearing on monday.
When asked whether she wished to say anything about the most recent offence, she replied: “No. Just that I am sorry.”
Deputy district judge Matthew Wallace, referring to the pre-sentence report, noted that Froud had experienced “a lot of bereavement” and difficulties during the past decade. “You were possibly using alcohol as a crutch, dealing with some grief,” he suggested.
Addressing the possibility of a night time curfew being imposed as part of the punishment, the judge said: “I think if you are subject to a curfew, and you are isolated on your own, that is not going to do your mental health any good.”
He concluded: “I am concerned you really need more help than anything else.”
Froud, of Margarets Way, Appleby, was made subject to a 12-month community order. She must complete up to five days of rehabilitation activity requirement work, was fined £80 and must serve a three-year driving ban.
Froud accepted the offer of a place on a drink-drive rehabilitation course which, if completed within an agreed timescale, would reduce her driving ban by 36 weeks.
