Drink driver 'unaware of UK laws'
A FOREIGN motorist caught behind the wheel after a drinking session did not understand UK laws on drink driving, North Lincolnshire magistrates heard.
Lithuanian national Rima Petraviciene was seen driving a red Opel Astra on the outskirts of Scunthorpe at about 3.20am on October 27.
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DRINK DRIVER: North Lincolnshire Magistrates' Court.
Dennis Aisthorpe, prosecuting, said: "It took the exit to the Lakeside Parkway travelling at about 15 to 20mph and swerving in the carriageway."
Petraviciene was stopped and was asked to provide a roadside breath test. "She was unable to do so and was arrested," said Mr Aisthorpe. At the police station two further tests revealed an alcohol level of 60 mcgs – the legal limit is 35 mcgs.
Defence solicitor Richard Hackfath said: "She is in Scunthorpe because she was visiting friends in the town and she had travelled over from Lithuania by car and ferry."
He said Petraviciene had been to a birthday party on the night in question. "She does not drink regularly but she was prevailed on to drink that night," he explained.
Mr Hackfath said his client was not aware of UK laws in relation to drink driving. He told magistrates Petraviciene intended to return to Lithuania shortly after the court case was concluded.
He said she would have to arrange for her car to be taken to the ferry. "Once she is on the other side of the water the disqualification ceases," he pointed out.
Petraviciene (53), whose address was given as Warwick Road, Scunthorpe, used an interpreter during the court hearing. She pleaded guilty to a drink driving charge and was banned from driving for 17 months.
She was also fined £100 and told to pay a £15 surcharge and £60 costs.
15 Comments
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by ad, nlincs
Monday, November 10 2008, 4:23PM
“Is Ignorance a good excuse for their intolerance?”
by ad, nlincs
Monday, November 10 2008, 4:13PM
“Nice of maggie to write a load of racist bile embarrassing decent Scunthorpe people along the way as for this comment further down
"send all the none working Europeans home and Scunny would be a better place and safer on a Saturday night"
If they sent all the working GB citizens,holidaying,home from Spain most Holiday resorts would be a lot more worthwhile visiting.
Who causes most ,Brits abroad or a minority of the foreign migrants here to work,and they still don't cause half as much trouble as the average British chav.”
by martian, mars
Friday, November 07 2008, 10:49PM
“I heard sometime ago that the police are restricted when it comes to charging immigrants for driving offences. Apparently, the reason for this is some of the immigrants drive using their original licences from their country of origin, and when caught, claim that they didn't realise their licences don't cover them for the UK roads.... and so they get away with it... it's something like that anyway, i can't quite remember now........
anyway, anyone who drinks and drives should be banned from driving for life.... these are people with complete disregard for not only their own lives, but the lives of others too....”
by maggy, scunthorpe
Friday, November 07 2008, 10:24PM
“all the eastern european drivers who infest this country have a complete disregard for the laws of this land.no insurance no tax no licence.only reason she got caught was her manner of driving..80% of them are sozzled 24/7 then driving foreign plated motors on the roads which are such a disgrace that not even Eva Brothers take them.ban them all and keep an eye on the iraqi drivers.there just as bad but strangely haven't been caught yet”
by dude, scunny
Friday, November 07 2008, 8:17PM
“evening editor guess you didn't like my comment...... lol”
by Chris, Oklahoma USA (ex Scawby)
Friday, November 07 2008, 6:19PM
“"unable to give a roadside breath test" - so she did know the law and was hoping prolonging the test would help her. Hands up all who think this illegal ho will be back in Lithuania before hell freezes over!!!!!”
by vicky, brigg
Friday, November 07 2008, 5:43PM
“i have no sympathy, i lost my brother down to a drink driver and there is no excuse for it...”
by rule brittania, home
Friday, November 07 2008, 4:10PM
“can somebody please explain what "to Gazza" actually is trying to say??? Is it just me or does what he is saying make sense to anybody. People who come to this country should have the decency to learn a little about what behaviour is expected whilst in our country and if they don't like it then please feel free to stay away!!!!”
by bill shutt, west ashby
Friday, November 07 2008, 1:28PM
“the actual blood alcohol concentration limit for driving in Lithuania is 0.4mg/ml. in the uk it is 0.8mg/ml. so she was well over the lithuanian limit.
0% limits cannot work as the body can produce alcohol itself.”
by with you all way billc, scunny and fed up with it
Friday, November 07 2008, 12:48PM
“send all the none working europeans home and scunny would be a better place and safer on a saturday night”