Former Teacher Was Four Times Over Drink-Drive Limit On School Run

Former Teacher Was Four Times Over Drink-Drive Limit On School Run

A former teacher has been convicted after she was caught picking up her child from school while four times over the drink-drive limit.

A court heard that 'very drunk' Martine Lapworth, 41, drove to school after bingeing on wine.

Staff at the school in Boothstow, Salford, were so concerned about Lapworth's condition they ordered her off the premises after a confrontation.

The mum then got into her VW Polo and drove off without the child following the incident at 3.30pm on May 23.

Helen Veitch, prosecuting, said that shortly afterwards, police found Lapworth at home in a 'very drunken state' and she was 'vastly' in excess of the limit.

When tested she gave a reading of 128 mircrograms of alcohol per 100ml of breath. The legal limit is 35mg.

Lapworth, from Worsley, pleaded guilty to driving after consuming excess alcohol and was sentenced to 12 weeks imprisonment suspended for a year.

Banning her from the road for three years, the Manchester magistrate said: "What you did crossed the custody threshold. You had drank a great deal of alcohol but you have shown remorse and we intend to suspend the sentence."

William Birtwell, defending, said Lapworth's alcoholism had had a 'destructive effect' on her.

He said: "It has caused the breakdown of her marriage and the loss of her job."

Mr Birtwell said Lapworth had sought help in the past from Salford Alcohol Services and had re-engaged with them for further help.

He added: "She has shown a great deal of remorse and this has been a steep learning curve for her. I doubt you will see her in court again."

Lapworth was ordered to pay £85 prosecution costs and a £80 surcharge.

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