Woman who hit pedestrian while four-times alcohol limit sentenced
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A WOMAN'S actions in driving dangerously while more than four times the legal alcohol limit could have had "much more serious consequences," a sheriff told her this week.
The driver, Karyn Fraser, who hit a pedestrian and a car, was banned from driving for 18 months and ordered to carry out 75 hours of unpaid community work when she appeared for sentence at Wick Sheriff Court on Tuesday.
Sheriff Andrew Berry heard, previously, that a driver travelling behind Fraser on the B874, near Upper Gillock, was concerned about the manner of her driving.
He observed Fraser (55) clipping the verge and negotiating bends at an excessive speed.
Fiscal David Barclay said that the accused didn't seem to react to the presence of a pedestrian who was struck on the left arm while jumping out of the way.
The fiscal continued: "The driver of an oncoming vehicle observed Fraser approaching at speed and pulled into the side of the road to avoid a head-on collision. The accused hit that vehicle and her car flipped over coming to rest on its roof."
The accused's breath-alcohol reading was 106 mg – the legal limit is 22 mg.
Solicitor Natalie Paterson said that Fraser, of Red Houses, Ackergill, had not driven since the accident and "had no wish to drive" in the foreseeable future.
Fraser was making progress in addressing difficulties in her life, not least an alcohol addiction.
Sheriff Berry, who saw a "very helpful" background report, told Fraser: "What happened was very serious and the consequences could have been much worse."
The sheriff added that it was clear Fraser regretted her actions and had accepted responsibility for them.
He told her: "The prospect of you ever returning to this court is unlikely" and explained that the unpaid work, imposed, was a direct alternative to a fine in light of Fraser's limited finances.
Fraser admitted driving dangerously and with excess alcohol. She will require to sit and pass an extended driving test when her disqualification ends.
