A HUSBAND divorcing his wife reported her for drink driving the day he went to their former matrimonial home to collect his belongings.
Jenette Edwards (63) gave one breath test at the police station which showed 150 microgrammes of alcohol – four times the legal limit – but was too drunk to give a second, Spalding magistrates heard.
Drink-drivers are required by law to give two samples and the lower reading is put before the courts if it is higher than the prescribed limit of 35mcgs.
Edwards, of Holbeach Drove, pleaded guilty to failing to provide a specimen for analysis and was banned from driving for two years and ordered to pay a total of £200 in fines and costs.
Magistrates offered her the chance to cut the ban by six months if she completes a rehabilitation course.
Prosecutor John Mitchell said the husband was standing in the garden on November 16 when Edwards returned home, overshooting the drive and stopping just on the lawn.
She reversed back up the driveway, narrowly missing the gatepost.
Mr Mitchell said Mr Edwards reported the incident because he was concerned about his wife hurting someone due to drinking and driving.
Solicitor Beris Brickles said the incident happened against a long term background of depression and a problem with alcohol.
He said the couple had been married for 41 and a half years and the husband had taken out divorce proceedings.
Mr Brickles said Edwards had consumed some alcohol after finishing driving that day and before giving one breath sample at Boston Police Station.
He said she couldn’t provide a second sample because she was so intoxicated.
Edwards was visibly upset during the hearing and the court allowed her daughter to sit beside her.