…Researched and contributed by Joseph Benjamin.
Molly Pickering, an 18-year-old from Stalybridge in Greater Manchester, crashed her car into a fence at 2am after drinking wine in a nearby pub.
She attempted to blame her friend for the accident, but paramedics spotted her swapping seats with the passenger.
The police initially arrested both people in the car, but Pickering was later identified as the driver.
She refused to take a breath test and spent a night in the cells.
Pickering, who is an apprentice painter and decorator, shunned her friendship group after the incident, which her lawyer blamed on her mental health issues and immaturity.
20-Month Driving Ban and Community Service
Pickering received a 20-month driving ban and 60 hours of community service, which includes a stint working in a charity shop.
She was also ordered to pay £180 in costs and surcharges.
During the hearing at Tameside Magistrates’ Court, it was revealed that Pickering had driven to the pub with the intention of leaving her car there and picking it up the following morning.
However, due to the amount of alcohol she consumed, she made the poor decision to drive home.
She was also under peer pressure from older people she was drinking with.
Refusal to Provide a Breath Test
When the police arrived at the scene, Pickering was in the passenger seat, but the paramedics had already reported that the two females in the vehicle had switched seats.
She was arrested on suspicion of driving a vehicle while unfit through drink or drugs.
At the police station, she refused to provide a specimen of breath for analysis and questioned why it was necessary.
The prosecutor said that she was given ample opportunity to comply but ultimately refused to do so.
Commentary
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a serious offence that can lead to accidents, injuries, and fatalities.
It’s fortunate that no one was hurt in this case, but Pickering’s recklessness could have had far more severe consequences.
It’s also worth noting that she initially tried to shift the blame onto her friend, which shows a lack of responsibility and accountability.
The court’s decision to impose a driving ban and community service is a reasonable punishment that should serve as a reminder to all drivers to avoid drink driving.