A TEARFUL drink driver claimed she was fleeing domestic violence after she was caught over the limit after a vodka binge. 

Gabrielle Williams appeared before a deputy district judge at Worcester Magistrates Court on Thursday where she admitted driving with excess alcohol. 

The 21-year-old, who had no previous convictions, was spoken to by police after she had pulled over in her Honda Jazz in Worcester Road, Malvern on January 19.

An evidential breath test revealed 52mcg of alcohol in 100ml of breath, over the prescribed limit of 35mcg.

Malvern Gazette: CASE: Worcester Magistrates Court CASE: Worcester Magistrates Court

Williams of Court Road, Malvern, told officers she had had an altercation with her partner.

Aleigha Adams, prosecuting, said: "She is quite upset when she speaks to the officers. When asked how much she had had to drink she said 'quite a lot'."

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She failed a roadside breath test before the evidential reading was taken back at the station. 

Mohammed Riaz, defending, said Williams had been out with her partner, best friend and partner's friend.

Malvern Gazette: BANNED: Gabrielle Williams at Worcester Magistrates Court BANNED: Gabrielle Williams at Worcester Magistrates Court (Image: Newsquest)

He said her partner 'lashed out and assaulted her as a direct consequence of speaking to her best friend's boyfriend'.

"She escaped and made the foolish decision to get into a car. It was in desperation. It was an attempt to flee domestic violence," he said.

Mr Riaz said Williams had made 'full and frank admissions', described her previous good character and asked that she be given full credit for her early guilty plea.

"She is of course remorseful for her actions," he said.

Deputy district judge Daniel Church said: "You knew, notwithstanding what happened before, you should not have driven. I acknowledge that you were very open with the police at the roadside and the police station."

He added: "Those who drive a vehicle when over the limit put themselves and others at risk."

The judge also said her 'emotional state did not help either'. "I'm pleased you weren't injured and nor was anyone else," he said. He was not aware any collision had resulted and said all these factors weighed in her favour.

He fined her £100, and ordered her to pay prosecution costs of £85 and a victim surcharge of £40 which will be deducted from her benefits.

Williams was banned from driving for 12 months. She was offered the drink driver's rehabilitation course. If she completes it successfully the disqualification will end on April 12 next year instead of July 12.