...By Gift BADEWO for TDPel Media.
Physiotherapist Avoids Jail for Drunk Driving, Defense Cites NHS Pressures
A physiotherapist named Georgina Davies, described as a successful professional, appeared in court after being caught driving five times over the legal alcohol limit.
The incident occurred when she tailgated another vehicle into the Cheshire campus of AstraZeneca, a vaccine maker.
Despite the magistrate initially refusing to hear her case due to Davies’ visibly intoxicated state, her lawyer argued that frontline NHS workers, like her, deserved additional support given the pressures they faced during the pandemic.
Consequently, she managed to avoid a jail sentence.
The Drunk Driving Incident and Court Proceedings
Georgina Davies, a highly respected physiotherapist residing in Mobberley, Cheshire, was found driving while heavily intoxicated.
After being breathalyzed by the police, it was revealed that she had 166 micrograms of alcohol per 100 milliliters of breath, significantly surpassing the legal limit of 35mg.
Davies pleaded guilty to the offense in court, but her case had to be heard by a different magistrate due to the initial magistrate’s decision to recuse himself after witnessing her stumbling into the dock.
Despite her lawyer acknowledging her prior drinking, he claimed she could still function and comprehend the proceedings.
Defense Argument and Court’s Decision
Davies’ defense lawyer emphasized that she had experienced an alcohol problem stemming from an abusive relationship and faced immense pressure while working on the NHS front lines during the pandemic.
He argued that NHS workers, like Davies, who displayed exemplary character, had resorted to drinking and driving, deserved additional assistance.
Comparing alcoholism to an illness, he urged the court to consider the pressures frontline workers endured during the challenging times of the pandemic.
Despite the offense crossing the custody threshold, the court decided to suspend Davies’ 14-week jail term for 18 months.
She was required to undergo a 10-day rehabilitation program with the probation service and a six-month alcohol treatment program.
Additionally, she received a three-year driving ban and was ordered to pay costs and a victim surcharge.
