Drink-drive model banned for second time

A former model had to be restrained by police after being caught driving – having downed a bottle of wine before she got behind the wheel.
Monica McDermott, 41, could not walk straight when police stopped her black Lexus on a road in Macclesfield, Cheshire.
The mother-of-one refused to give a breath sample after coming to a halt on Churchill Way and had to be restrained when she tried to climb out of a police patrol car, a court heard.
When police finally managed to breathalyse her, she was three times the limit.
McDermott, who works for a marketing company, pleaded guilty to drink driving when she appeared at Macclesfield Magistrates’ court.
It came after she avoided prison in 2012 when she crashed her car in nearby Alderley Edge while four times the legal limit. She was banned from driving for two years.
Prosecuting, Debbie Byrne said a police officer had to use an incapacitating spray when McDermott tried to get out of the police car.
She told the court: ‘Police received information about a black Lexus driving all over the road and nearly hitting cars.
‘The officer turned on the emergency lights but the car made no attempt to stop. He drove diagonally to block her way.
‘She crept the car forward like she was trying to drive off. He reached inside to turn the engine off. When she got out she struggled to walk in a straight line.
‘She refused to give a breath sample and tried to get out of the police car. The officer used captor spray and called officers to restrain her.’
McDermott, of Macclesfield, told magistrates she had been drinking more because she felt isolated after moving home.
She said: ‘My son was away on a trip and I was lonely. I had been drinking in the afternoon and got myself in a state. My friend said to go around and stay the night.
‘I’d had a bottle of wine but thought I’d left enough time and would be ok. I couldn’t believe I got in this mess again.
‘I could have harmed someone. I’m embarrassed and ashamed.’
Probation officer Mike Isherwood said McDermott has had a series of traumatic life experiences.
Adrian Long, chairman of the bench, said: ‘We’ve listened to what you and Mr Isherwood said but it was a very high reading and you have a previous conviction.’
She was given an 18-month community order, alcohol rehabilitation programme, 120 hours unpaid work and was banned from driving for four years.
Probation officer Mike Isherwood said: ‘Her experiences in life have been chaotic. I don’t think she’d cope well in prison. I’ve not seen anyone with such low mood.’
Source: MailOnline