A learner driver is mourning the loss of her right to cheap young driver car insurance after being banned from the road for two years.
Rachel Heffer from Ipswich appeared in court after she downed two bottles of wine and drove her partner's Ford Fiesta, without a licence or motor insurance, in search of a packet of cigarettes. Well over the drink-drive limit, she smashed into a parked car and was promptly arrested by police.
A breath test found the 21-year-old to be more than three times the legal limit and so she was taken to the police station to be charged. It was then discovered that the breathalyser equipment was faulty and Miss Heffer refused to provide a blood sample.
Upon sobering up, Heffer realised her mistake, telling the court, "I realise I could have killed somebody and that's what frightens me the most. I can't believe I did it. It was totally out of character.
"I'm just really, really sorry. I just wish I could turn back the clock. I had almost finished my driving lessons and I have ruined that now. I just feel ashamed of myself."
A spokesman for Hoot Car Insurance Services, the young driver car insurance experts, commented on the case, saying, "Drink-driving is bad enough, but doing it when you haven't even passed your test is just ridiculous."