North Wootton woman Amy McHenry in King’s Lynn Court after crashing into hedge while three times over drink-drive limit

A court heard how a 52-year-old who was three times over the drink-drive limit decided to drive home instead of doing the 15-minute walk.

Amy McHenry, of Woodland Gardens in North Wootton, appeared at Lynn Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, where she admitted driving above the specified alcohol limit.

Prosecutor Abdul Khan told the court that it was a member of the public who called the police on McHenry, who observed her poor driving and took the keys of the Mercedes she was driving away from her.

The incident happened on the evening of February 1. McHenry had driven into a hedge and clipped a curb.

The member of the public described McHenry as being “p****d as a fart” to the police.

Officers conducted a breath test on McHenry and arrested her. She was taken to Lynn’s Police Investigation Centre for further tests.

She provided a reading of 109mcg of alcohol per 100ml of breath. The legal limit to drive is 35mcg.

In mitigation, David Foulkes told the court that McHenry is a single mother who had a clean criminal record.

He added that she is heavily involved in West Norfolk Rugby Club and had been out at a social event drinking on the evening of her arrest.

“She has been driving for 25 years, she has no previous points on her licence. That has fallen apart with her foolish decision,” said Mr Foulkes.

He described McHenry as being “very well-thought-of” at the rugby club and had once played and trained and now plays a part in organising its social events.

She was at one of these social events on February 1.

“She had a lot to drink on the Saturday in question. She had no intention to drive the car home. She had the intention to walk. She has no idea why she got into that vehicle,” said Mr Foulkes.

“She only drove a short distance when a member of the public stopped her, took her keys and called the police.”

Mr Foulkes said that McHenry had been drinking due to a “build-up” of things going on in her life.

He added that she has completely cut out alcohol since this incident and is seeking help from various organisations.

Magistrate William Hush described McHenry’s offence as “fairly horrendous”.

For the offence, McHenry was hit with a hefty fine of £1,846, along with a victim surcharge of £738 and court costs of £85.

She was also disqualified from driving for 25 months.