Drink-driver caught at festival parade

Lisa Rossall, 25, of Gulf Lane, Cockerham, had to have “the keys removed from her car by a member of the public” said a police officer on the scene, as she drove her car on Moss Lane, Garstang, where the festival was taking place.

Rossall pleaded guilty to the drink-driving offence at Lancaster Magistrates’ Court on Friday.

She has been ordered to carry out 100 hours of unpaid work within the next 12 months as well as having to pay a £150 criminal court charge, £200 for costs to Crown Prosecution Service and a £60 victim surcharge.

Rossall was breathalysed after being arrested and was found to have 94 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath.

The legal limit is 35 microgrammes.

The incident took place on Monday May 25 and Rossall was “stopped by a member of the public and then arrested by police officers” said Sergeant Danielle Freaney.

She said: “Rossall was found behind the wheel on Moss Lane, a road which was closed for the festival, driving near a crowd of majorettes.

“The parade was due to start at 6pm and she was found behind the wheel at 5.55pm.

“Someone had to stop her driving any further and the keys were removed from her car by a member of the public.

“Three police officers including myself were on the scene within minutes and arrested her.

“She was very remorseful for her actions and we’re very thankful no-one was hurt and for the actions of the general public.”

Sgt Freaney said this is a good example of why people need to think before getting behind the wheel after having a drink.

She said: “People should think before drinking and driving.

“It can have a massive affect on people’s lives, whether that’s not being able to drive and losing your job or by hurting someone else.

“If you are going out, consider getting a taxi or choosing a designated driver.”