A woman from Frostenden who was caught drink driving shortly before Christmas told the court that December 22 had been “an awful day” after the death of her beloved cat. 

Moira Rushmere, of White House Farm in Frostenden, between Lowestoft and Southwold, appeared at Suffolk Magistrates’ Court on Thursday facing the charge of driving a vehicle whilst her alcohol level was above the legal limit.

Mrs Rushmere’s breath showed 42 microgrammes of alcohol for 100 millilitres of breath. The legal limit is 35 microgrammes. 

Mrs Rushmere, 73, pleaded guilty to the charge. She told the court that December 22 had been a difficult day for herself and her husband. 

“We had taken our dear old 21-year-old cat to be put down,” she told the magistrates. “Because we were a bit depressed, we said, 'Let’s pop out for a quick half and speak to some people.'” 

The court heard that whilst at the pub, Mrs Rushmere consumed two glasses of Chardonnay.

Whilst driving home through Wrentham, she paused behind a parked car, waiting for an oncoming vehicle on the opposite side of the road to pass. 

However, whilst pulling out she misjudged the distance and clipped the stationary car in front of her.

The court heard that Suffolk police arrived at the scene almost immediately, having been carrying out additional checks during their Christmas drink driving campaign. 

Mrs Rushmere said she did not want to be considered for a drink driving rehabilitation course, as she had been considering giving up driving before this incident occurred. 

“I don’t enjoy driving anymore. The roads are not for the elderly,” she said. 

Mrs Rushmere was disqualified from driving for 14 months and fined £120, as well as a £48 surcharge and the court costs of £105, an amount totalling £273.