A drink-driver who was confronted by members of the public when she pulled over was almost SEVEN times the limit.
Sarah Cowie, or Hawcutt, was seen “veering” across the A947 by alarmed motorists in the middle of the afternoon.
They followed the 42-year-old until she stopped and then approached and challenged her.
Due to concerns over her “potential impairment”, they contacted the police who later traced her at home.
Fiscal depute Ryan Diamond told Aberdeen Sheriff Court the incident happened around 2.15pm on September 20 last year.
He said: “Members of the public were driving on the A947 and observed a vehicle veering across the carriageway.
“As the vehicle approached Bonnyview Windows, the accused indicated and pulled into the forecourt area.
“Members of the public pulled in alongside.
“The accused was spoken to by members of the public who challenged her regarding the manner of her driving.
“These members of the public had concerns about the accused’s potential impairment and the matter was reported to the police.”
Struggling with alcohol
Officers traced Hawcutt at her address around an hour later and found her to have slurred speech and be “swaying” on her feet.
A breath test then returned a positive result for alcohol.
She was arrested and taken to the police station where the formal procedure was carried out.
In response to being cautioned and charged, she replied: “I didn’t do it.”
Hawcutt, of Aberdeenshire, pled guilty to driving with 152 microgrammes of alcohol in 100ml of breath. The legal limit is 22 microgrammes.
Defence agent Chris Maitland said: “There’s a bit of background. My client is at a loss to explain the decision taken.”
He explained Hawcutt had been struggling with an alcohol problem at the time, contributed to by the break-up of a relationship.
Sheriff Donald Ferguson said: “This was clearly a very dangerous situation and I think that reports should be obtained to address all the issues that arose from that.”
He deferred sentence until next month for reports.
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