Southery woman who ‘made biggest mistake of life’ by drink-driving is banned

A woman who made the “biggest mistake of her life” has found herself disqualified from driving.

Luisa Cirillo, 27, of Recreation Drive in Southery, appeared at Lynn Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, where she admitted drink-driving.

Prosecutor Asif Akram said Cirillo was observed by a staff member at McDonald's in Downham at around 11pm on March 20, who could smell alcohol coming from her vehicle and so informed the police.

When officers arrived at the fast food restaurant, they noticed the vehicle’s lights were on, and they requested a roadside breath test, which came back positive.

After being arrested, Cirillo provided a reading of 71mcg of alcohol per 100ml of breath. The legal limit to drive is 35mcg.

Mr Akram said she is a “lady of previous good character”.

In mitigation, solicitor Sally Dale said it is the “biggest mistake of her life” and that Cirillo regrets her actions.”

She said Cirillo went straight from work to have drinks, and made the court aware that she had three white wines before stopping at McDonald's on her way home.

Ms Dale said she was “compliant to police through proceedings”.

“Her biggest issue is her business being in the middle of nowhere with no public transport,” the solicitor added.

Cirillo was handed a 17-month disqualification and a £165 fine.

She was also ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £66 and court costs of £40.