Drink-Driving Mum Caught Red-Handed Spark-Spewing on Tidworth Streets
Natalie Burwood, 36, from Talavera Way, Tidworth, has been slapped with a three-year driving ban after pleading guilty to drink driving at Salisbury Magistrates Court.
Police Snag Driver with No Lights, No Number Plate, and Sparks Flying
On the night of Saturday 17 October 2020, PC Emma Smith spotted a VW Caddy van hurtling down Pennings Road with its headlights off. Even worse, the van had no front number plate and was showering sparks as it sped along.
PC Smith gave chase and pulled the vehicle over. A roadside breath test blew a staggering 152 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath—over four times the legal limit of 35.
Wreckless Driver Smashes Road Signs and Mounts Pavement
Further checks found a road sign wedged under Burwood’s van. She’d mounted the kerb, driven along the pavement, smashed several roadwork signs, and nearly collided with traffic lights.
In custody, Burwood’s breath test still read 121 micrograms—three-and-a-half times over the drink-drive limit.
Judge Hands Down Heavy Fine and Driving Ban
Yesterday, the court disqualified Burwood from driving for three years. She was fined £224 and ordered to pay more than £100 in costs.
PC Emma Smith said: “The actions of this driver put the public at serious risk. She blew over three and a half times the legal limit—shocking behaviour. This sentence reflects the gravity of drink-driving and hopefully makes her think twice before risking lives again.”
