A young woman who drove the wrong way along a one-way street in Welshpool town centre while more than twice the legal drink drive limit has been banned for a year-and-a-half.
Kayleigh Malins, aged 24, admitted to police that she had drank two glasses of wine after she was spotted by officers in Church Street in Welshpool just before 11pm on Saturday, February 17.
The mental health support worker from Shrewsbury pleaded guilty to the charge of drink driving.
A test revealed that she had 81 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath, which exceeded the 35mcgm limit, Welshpool Magistrates' Court was told on March 12.
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Paul Nicholas, acting on behalf of Malins said the "decent, caring and hardworking" 24-year-old couldn't explain why did it.
"This is a young lady who started the sentence on the day of arrest," he said.
"She is a lady of previous good character and has genuine remorse. A person who should not be here bar a stupid act on the night in question. She can’t believe she did such a thing.
"She is a carer by trade and by nature. Her employer knows about the proceedings, she’s been honest, and they have been immensely supportive because she is such a good worker, and they will work around her.
"She will now have to get a taxi, bus or a lift from her father. Her act is going to cause her at least a week’s wage per month to get to work. "
Mr Nicholas added: "She’s ashamed about being before the court today. There is genuine remorse. She has never been before the courts before. I would be immensely surprised to see her in court again. She has always been terrified about being here today and it’s a lesson learnt.
"It’s quite a big reading. When she was stopped by police, she had the decency to co-operate with police. She was then taken to Newtown station. It was a fearful situation for her, and a catalyst that crime is not for her. It’s worked, your worships.
"She wants to get back on the roads as soon as she can to continue her caring work with people who need it."
Malins, of Bayston Hill, Shrewsbury, was also ordered to pay a £369 fine as well as a £148 victim surcharge and £85 prosecution costs.
The 18-month ban will be reduced by 18 weeks if Malins completes a drink-driving awareness course by March 8 next year.
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