Drink driver banned after flipping car

A drink driver who flipped her car while two children and a dog were in the back has been sentenced.

Gemma Trevail was driving a Suzuki S-Cross on Front Street, in Wingate, when she collided with the front of a shop and flipped the car onto its side.

Miraculously, the two children and dog walked away unscathed following the collision, which took place at around 9am on Friday, November 1.

Officers arrested Trevail at the scene and brought her into police custody, where she was breathalysed.

The 41-year-old was found to have 105mg of alcohol in 100ml of breath – more than three times the legal limit of 35mg.

Trevail, of Wingate, was charged with driving while under the influence of alcohol, two counts of child neglect, driving while otherwise than in accordance with a licence, driving without insurance, and criminal damage.

She admitted the offences and appeared at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court on Saturday (December 14) where she was banned from driving for two years.

She was also handed an 18-month community order with a requirement to take part in alcohol treatment.

Inspector Andy Howarth, from Durham Roads and Armed Policing Unit, said: “Trevail’s actions that day were incomprehensible.

“She showed absolutely no consideration for anybody else when she chose to get behind the wheel of her car that morning.

“It is a miracle that she did not seriously injure or worse, kill her passengers or an innocent member of the public going about their daily business.

“We see firsthand the devastation that drink driving can cause – it rips families apart and causes unimaginable suffering.

“Officers will be carrying out drink drive checks across County Durham and Darlington over the festive period.

“Don’t ruin your Christmas, or anyone else’s - if you’re drinking, leave the car at home.”