Drink-drive mum Victoria Burrell-Corey spared jail term

May 28 2009 by Brian Daniel, The Journal

Defending Michelle Lamond said: “She can not give you any sensible explanation as to why she was driving that morning.”

The solicitor told the court Burrell-Corey had recently come out of a long-term relationship which ended badly.

She has been on medication which impairs her judgement and causes her panic attacks.

Magistrates were told Burrell-Corey stood to lose her job in the long-haul cabin crew if sent to prison.

Miss Lamond also said her client’s daughter would suffer given that she is looked after by her mother. Magistrates requested and heard a probation service report on the effects of custody on the defendant, having said their guidelines required them to impose an 18 week sentence.

Instead Burrell-Corey was fined £1,760, ordered to pay £70 costs and a £15 victim surcharge.

She was banned from the road for three years, with this to be reduced by nine months if she completes a drink drivers’ rehabilitation course.

Magistrates said they were departing from guidelines as custody would have a “disproportionate” effect on Burrell-Corey.

A spokeswoman for Brake said after the case: “Brake is shocked that a mother can so blatantly put her daughter’s life at risk.

“Anyone who has drunk alcohol the night before needs to be sure that they are safe to drive before getting behind the wheel the next day.

“Brake is calling on the justice system to get tough on ‘morning after’ drink drivers. It is also urging the government to launch high-profile campaigns that make the risks clear.”