Over-the-limit hospital worker drove after row

Lauren Housby, who had driven to get away from her boyfriend after the row, was almost twice over the alcohol limit at the time.

Housby, 24, of Preston New Road, Blackpool, pleaded guilty to driving with excess alcohol.

Andrew Robinson, prosecuting, said police were called to St Walburgas Road near St Mary’s School where Housby had collided with a gate on January 30.

She was being checked over by paramedics.

She told police she had been stupid and had had too much to drink.

A breath test showed 67 microgrammes of alcohol – 35 is the limit.

Gerry Coyle, defending, said his client, who had no previous convictions, had been to see her boyfriend that night and drunk four small cans of cider.

During the evening things became heated between them and she thought it would be better to leave.

Mr Coyle added: “During the journey she received a text or message from him apologising and that caused her to lose control of the car.”

Housby worked at Blackpool Victoria Hospital in the occupational therapy department.

Because of this offence she had had to turn down a promotion as she would not be able to drive.

Housby was banned from the road for 17 months, fined £225 with £85 costs and ordered to pay £26 victims’ surcharge by Blackpool magistrates.