Maria Ball of Trimley St Martin jailed after driving nearly four times the legal limit

A woman has been banned from driving for three years after being caught driving nearly four times the legal alcohol limit.

Maria Ball, 46, of Cavendish Gardens, Trimley St Martin, near Felixstowe, pleaded guilty to drink driving at Suffolk Magistrates’ Court in Ipswich on Monday.

A member of the public spotted Ball driving a Vauxhall Adam in High Road on Thursday, May 2 at around 12.45pm and suspected she was intoxicated.

They flagged down a passing police vehicle which stopped Ball’s car for a roadside breath test.

She initially blew 158 micrograms per 100 millilitres of breath and then 138 micrograms at Martlesham Police Investigation Centre – the legal limit is 35 micrograms.

Ball was sentenced to 20 weeks imprisonment, suspended for 24 months and has been disqualified from driving for three years.

She must also attend a Rehabilitation Activity Requirement.

Court costs were awarded of £85 and a victim surcharge of £154 was also imposed.