A woman who admitted to driving while more than seven times over the legal alcohol limit missed court yesterday after suffering a panic attack.
Gayle Imlah, of John Buchan Drive in Cruden Bay, was behind the wheel of her powerful 140bhp Ford Fiesta when she was stopped by officers on February 25.
The 43-year-old was spotted by police on the A90 in Peterhead and was pulled-over at the Howe O’Buchan roundabout.
She failed a breath test, which revealed she had 165 microgrammes of alcohol in her system – seven-and-a-half times the legal limit of just 22mcg.
She pleaded guilty to a charge of drink driving the following day.
Imlah was due to appear at Peterhead Sheriff Court yesterday for sentencing, but failed to appear.
Her solicitor, Stewart Flowerdew, told Sheriff Christine McCrossan that her partner had attended court in her place to explain she was unable to travel.
“Unfortunately, she suffered a rather serious panic attack this morning,” Mr Flowerdew said.
He added, however, that it was “unlikely” he would be able to obtain medical records to support that.
Sheriff McCrossan deferred sentencing to April 3 for Imlah to appear at court.
Last week, police issued a renewed appeal to motorists to drive safely after two more motorists were detected driving while more than seven times the limit on north-east roads.
A 49-year-old man was stopped near Oldmeldrum, while a 55-year-old woman was intercepted near Bridge of Don.
Inspector Neil Morrison said: “I would remind drivers that they can still be over the limit the morning after and it is therefore always best to leave sufficient time before driving.
“We are often alerted to possible drink drivers as a result of information received from concerned members of the public.
“We welcome this information and I would thank those who take the time to phone and report alleged drink drivers and I would encourage this practice to continue.”
