Woman, 47, who drunk drove Fiat 500 in Worcester given community order

Verity Frieze of Wolsey Close, Worcester, previously admitted a charge of driving a motor vehicle when her alcohol level was above the limit when she appeared at Worcester Magistrates Court.

The 47-year-old returned to the court on Monday, (February 6), for sentencing. 

Jim Mason, prosecuting, told magistrates Frieze was arrested on suspicion of drink driving a Fiat 500 in Wolsey Close on Wednesday, December 21. 

He explained the arrest came after a report she had been drink driving and when they finally located her at her home, she was "clearly intoxicated, unsteady on her feet, eyes glazed and slurring her speech". 

COURT: Verity Frieze has been sentenced for drink driving (Image: Facebook)

She failed a roadside breathalyser test and was taken to Kidderminster Police Station after initially refusing to leave her home.

Mr Mason said Frieze's evidential specimen showed she had 88mcg of alcohol in 100ml of breath which is above the legal limit of 35mcg.

The prosecutor said at the station Frieze had been a "completely different person", apologetic and pleasant to the officers. 

DRINK DRIVER: Verity Frieze drove a Fiat 500 when over the alcohol limit

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Mr Mason added Frieze's previous convictions may be a "cause for concern" - as she had two similar drink driving convictions on her record. 

Paul Stanley, defending, said his client was aware custody was a possibility due to the past offending - but appealed for her not to be jailed. 

He said Frieze was a former teacher and the circumstances surrounding how she left teaching had affected her. 

CASE: Verity Frieze appeared at Worcester Magistrates Court

Mr Stanley said Frieze was open that she had an alcohol problem but wants to get help.

He added Frieze was remorseful and had been very nervous ahead of the court case. 

After magistrates deliberations, Elaine Bell, chairman of the bench, told Frieze she was receiving a 12-month community order. 

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The chairman explained as part of the order Frieze must complete six months alcohol treatment programme working with the Worcester-based recovery service Cranstoun and 20 rehabilitation activity requirement days. 

Frieze was disqualified from driving for 48 months and ordered to pay costs of £135 and victim surcharge of £114.