Help and support needed

[SaraC]

I am a 56 year old woman. I went to see my mother in Northumberland from Pontefract and to see some school friends. I spent an evening with my mum then the following day went out with my friends to bingo then went to one of the girls homes for food and cocktails. I left my mothers at 2pm on Sunday 03/12/23 after knowing she is developing Dementia.
( I was a mental health nurse all my working life). I called in at a friends near home and had food but also had some vodka heavy cocktails. I guess I was drowning my sorrows and stupidly got in the car as my partner had told me he wanted to go to see his father in a care home (he has dementia).
My back story is I was held at gun point whilst at work. A few years later was sexually assaulted by a colleague, was told it was my fault by the trust, had to find another job as they said it was me who should move if I didn’t want to work with him. Took a job in the community and was bullied by an OT and a nurse. I left 3 years later as I was struggling mentally. Since then I have had to care for my in-laws re dementia and a stroke for partners father and mother respectively. I have also had a skin cancer scare this year and my partner is awaiting a brain scan to diagnose a possible begnin or malignant growth.

I was approached by two police officers as I pulled into my drive. I was so upset I failed the roadside test twice but when in custody I blew 122. High I know and I am absolutely mortified. I spent 12 hours in a cell.
I was compliant and polite at all times but I remember saying the alcohol was from the night before to the arresting officers.
I have never been I trouble before…infact I have always been the person who reminds people not to litter, to be polite and never drink and drive!
I have to have an interview with a probation officer before my court appearance. I have been a complete mess since my arrest. I have approached a couple therapists who have said I am suffering from ptsd.
Does anyone have any advice for me re: court and what I should disclose to the probation officer?

 

[craig121]

Sorry to hear all that's happened Sarah that's very harrowing to read
You would certainly be advised to get some representation given the very high reading and possibly advice you to go a bit lighter with the mitigation.
Understanding you were under a lot of stress had been through a lot
But don't try and make excuses the Solicitor will guide you on what to say and how much to divulge.

Prior to my own DD had similar stresses Father got disabled with cancer Mother was already late stages of lung cancer and I was caring for the father in law whom also had dementia
Had huge work stresses etc but I never mentioned anything in court?
Judges will accept some mitigation but never an excuse but best you get some representation a good Solicitor should cost no more than 500pnds and will be worth it in your case.

 

[BigTom]

I am a 56 year old woman. I went to see my mother in Northumberland from Pontefract and to see some school friends. I spent an evening with my mum then the following day went out with my friends to bingo then went to one of the girls homes for food and cocktails. I left my mothers at 2pm on Sunday 03/12/23 after knowing she is developing Dementia.
( I was a mental health nurse all my working life). I called in at a friends near home and had food but also had some vodka heavy cocktails. I guess I was drowning my sorrows and stupidly got in the car as my partner had told me he wanted to go to see his father in a care home (he has dementia).
My back story is I was held at gun point whilst at work. A few years later was sexually assaulted by a colleague, was told it was my fault by the trust, had to find another job as they said it was me who should move if I didn’t want to work with him. Took a job in the community and was bullied by an OT and a nurse. I left 3 years later as I was struggling mentally. Since then I have had to care for my in-laws re dementia and a stroke for partners father and mother respectively. I have also had a skin cancer scare this year and my partner is awaiting a brain scan to diagnose a possible begnin or malignant growth.

I was approached by two police officers as I pulled into my drive. I was so upset I failed the roadside test twice but when in custody I blew 122. High I know and I am absolutely mortified. I spent 12 hours in a cell.
I was compliant and polite at all times but I remember saying the alcohol was from the night before to the arresting officers.
I have never been I trouble before…infact I have always been the person who reminds people not to litter, to be polite and never drink and drive!
I have to have an interview with a probation officer before my court appearance. I have been a complete mess since my arrest. I have approached a couple therapists who have said I am suffering from ptsd.
Does anyone have any advice for me re: court and what I should disclose to the probation officer?

Hi Sara. I follow Craig's comments and am sorry to hear your harrowing story.

Unfortunately, from a court's point of view, basically they just don't care!!!! You broke the law and you will be punished for it. I agree a solicitor is a must, as technically with that high a reading, you are on the borderline of a possible prison sentence **I POINT OUT STRONGLY HOWEVER, THIS WILL NOT HAPPEN** - worse case scenario I suggest would be a suspended sentence. That is why they want pre-sentencing reports from probation.

Be completely upfront and engage with probation, they are not trying to catch you out. Explain all of the situations you have been through, show complete remorse, get some character references from people to show this is out of character for you and has been lead by the mental anguish you have been going through. They supply the court with a report, and will suggest that potentially a period of probation rather than a prison sentence will be more beneficial. This coupled with mitigation from a solicitor will ensure an amicable outcome.

I think you will be banned for a considerable time (up to 3 years), you will more than likely be fined and probably will have probation, community service or some other punishment such as referrals for drink, tagging, curfew etc.

Try not to worry, I know my post is a bit scary, but you need to understand the severity and the possibilities. YOU WILL GET THROUGH THIS THOUGH!!!! I promise. The court case is the worst part, as well as the shame, disgust and embarrassment that you feel, but honestly these will get better with time. Accept your wrong doings, and move forwards. Learn from it and make changes.

First things first though, get a solicitor. Speak to local ones, don't use the specialist ones on Google who charge a fortune and persuade you to go not guilty - they are parasites and are just looking to fleece you for £1,000's

 

[SoStupid]

Hi Sara, I’m really sorry to hear all you have been through. I will say though, and you will know this, but it in no way mitigates what you did. It absolutely will not fly as an excuse to the courts.

I blew higher than you. I blew 135. I also caused damage to other cars, and, even worse was that I had my child in the car. I could give a load of reasons as to why I was in that state but, at the end of the day, the reasons for the drinking doesn’t matter. All that matters is that I got in the car.

I had pre sentence reports done by the court with a social worker and the report was very positive. The sheriff (I’m in Scotland) did say that from reading the report my actions seemed very out of character. I received a 16 month ban and a £420 fine. I’m aware this was extremely lenient. (My ban is now over, but I haven’t applied for my license back. I’m not sure I ever will.)

I was (am) deeply ashamed. It was one of the worst experiences of my life, certainly the worst thing I’ve ever done, but I got through it, and so will you. I did a bad thing, but I know I’m not a bad person. I’m just so glad that no one was injured. It could’ve ended very differently.

I pleaded guilty and I used a solicitor. I wish I’d gone with the duty solicitor as I paid £1500 over 2 court dates and I don’t think the solicitor even said a total of 30 words. There really wasn’t much for them to do.

I also work in mental health and am registered with a professional body. I told my work and the professional body straight away. My work were very supportive and the professional body didn’t take any action against me - no warnings or anything.

I know it seems like now like it’s the end of the world, but please believe me that you will move on from this. Don’t let this one error define you. I felt better/relieved once the final court date was over.

Good luck.

 

[SaraC]

I am a 56 year old woman. I went to see my mother in Northumberland from Pontefract and to see some school friends. I spent an evening with my mum then the following day went out with my friends to bingo then went to one of the girls homes for food and cocktails. I left my mothers at 2pm on Sunday 03/12/23 after knowing she is developing Dementia.
( I was a mental health nurse all my working life). I called in at a friends near home and had food but also had some vodka heavy cocktails. I guess I was drowning my sorrows and stupidly got in the car as my partner had told me he wanted to go to see his father in a care home (he has dementia).
My back story is I was held at gun point whilst at work. A few years later was sexually assaulted by a colleague, was told it was my fault by the trust, had to find another job as they said it was me who should move if I didn’t want to work with him. Took a job in the community and was bullied by an OT and a nurse. I left 3 years later as I was struggling mentally. Since then I have had to care for my in-laws re dementia and a stroke for partners father and mother respectively. I have also had a skin cancer scare this year and my partner is awaiting a brain scan to diagnose a possible begnin or malignant growth.

I was approached by two police officers as I pulled into my drive. I was so upset I failed the roadside test twice but when in custody I blew 122. High I know and I am absolutely mortified. I spent 12 hours in a cell.
I was compliant and polite at all times but I remember saying the alcohol was from the night before to the arresting officers.
I have never been I trouble before…infact I have always been the person who reminds people not to litter, to be polite and never drink and drive!
I have to have an interview with a probation officer before my court appearance. I have been a complete mess since my arrest. I have approached a couple therapists who have said I am suffering from ptsd.
Does anyone have any advice for me re: court and what I should disclose to the probation officer?

A y help would be appreciated xx

Sorry to hear all that's happened Sarah that's very harrowing to read
You would certainly be advised to get some representation given the very high reading and possibly advice you to go a bit lighter with the mitigation.
Understanding you were under a lot of stress had been through a lot
But don't try and make excuses the Solicitor will guide you on what to say and how much to divulge.

Prior to my own DD had similar stresses Father got disabled with cancer Mother was already late stages of lung cancer and I was caring for the father in law whom also had dementia
Had huge work stresses etc but I never mentioned anything in court?
Judges will accept some mitigation but never an excuse but best you get some representation a good Solicitor should cost no more than 500pnds and will be worth it in your case.

Thank you Craig. I will get a one.

 

[SaraC]

Hi Sara. I follow Craig's comments and am sorry to hear your harrowing story.

Unfortunately, from a court's point of view, basically they just don't care!!!! You broke the law and you will be punished for it. I agree a solicitor is a must, as technically with that high a reading, you are on the borderline of a possible prison sentence **I POINT OUT STRONGLY HOWEVER, THIS WILL NOT HAPPEN** - worse case scenario I suggest would be a suspended sentence. That is why they want pre-sentencing reports from probation.

Be completely upfront and engage with probation, they are not trying to catch you out. Explain all of the situations you have been through, show complete remorse, get some character references from people to show this is out of character for you and has been lead by the mental anguish you have been going through. They supply the court with a report, and will suggest that potentially a period of probation rather than a prison sentence will be more beneficial. This coupled with mitigation from a solicitor will ensure an amicable outcome.

I think you will be banned for a considerable time (up to 3 years), you will more than likely be fined and probably will have probation, community service or some other punishment such as referrals for drink, tagging, curfew etc.

Try not to worry, I know my post is a bit scary, but you need to understand the severity and the possibilities. YOU WILL GET THROUGH THIS THOUGH!!!! I promise. The court case is the worst part, as well as the shame, disgust and embarrassment that you feel, but honestly these will get better with time. Accept your wrong doings, and move forwards. Learn from it and make changes.

First things first though, get a solicitor. Speak to local ones, don't use the specialist ones on Google who charge a fortune and persuade you to go not guilty - they are parasites and are just looking to fleece you for £1,000's

Thank you so much for replying. I am devastated by my actions….I could have hurt someone. I’m a fully blown idiot.

 

[SaraC]

Sorry to hear all that's happened Sarah that's very harrowing to read
You would certainly be advised to get some representation given the very high reading and possibly advice you to go a bit lighter with the mitigation.
Understanding you were under a lot of stress had been through a lot
But don't try and make excuses the Solicitor will guide you on what to say and how much to divulge.

Prior to my own DD had similar stresses Father got disabled with cancer Mother was already late stages of lung cancer and I was caring for the father in law whom also had dementia
Had huge work stresses etc but I never mentioned anything in court?
Judges will accept some mitigation but never an excuse but best you get some representation a good Solicitor should cost no more than 500pnds and will be worth it in your case.

I hope you’re doing ok now and are coping with your sadness and loss.

 

[Onlymyselftoblame]

Hi

Be honest with the probation service , however don't use it as an excuse. Just explain the circumstances for the reason why you made a mistake.

 

[SaraC]

Hi

Be honest with the probation service , however don't use it as an excuse. Just explain the circumstances for the reason why you made a mistake.

Thank you

 

[SaraC]

Hi Sara. I follow Craig's comments and am sorry to hear your harrowing story.

Unfortunately, from a court's point of view, basically they just don't care!!!! You broke the law and you will be punished for it. I agree a solicitor is a must, as technically with that high a reading, you are on the borderline of a possible prison sentence **I POINT OUT STRONGLY HOWEVER, THIS WILL NOT HAPPEN** - worse case scenario I suggest would be a suspended sentence. That is why they want pre-sentencing reports from probation.

Be completely upfront and engage with probation, they are not trying to catch you out. Explain all of the situations you have been through, show complete remorse, get some character references from people to show this is out of character for you and has been lead by the mental anguish you have been going through. They supply the court with a report, and will suggest that potentially a period of probation rather than a prison sentence will be more beneficial. This coupled with mitigation from a solicitor will ensure an amicable outcome.

I think you will be banned for a considerable time (up to 3 years), you will more than likely be fined and probably will have probation, community service or some other punishment such as referrals for drink, tagging, curfew etc.

Try not to worry, I know my post is a bit scary, but you need to understand the severity and the possibilities. YOU WILL GET THROUGH THIS THOUGH!!!! I promise. The court case is the worst part, as well as the shame, disgust and embarrassment that you feel, but honestly these will get better with time. Accept your wrong doings, and move forwards. Learn from it and make changes.

First things first though, get a solicitor. Speak to local ones, don't use the specialist ones on Google who charge a fortune and persuade you to go not guilty - they are parasites and are just looking to fleece you for £1,000's

 

[SaraC]

Hi Tom. Thank you for your reply. It was so lovely of you to reply. I have now got over the straw that broke the camels back i.e. my mums dementia. I was stupid but I’ll be honest, at the time I left my friends house I didn’t care about anything

 

[nats]

Hi Tom. Thank you for your reply. It was so lovely of you to reply. I have now got over the straw that broke the camels back i.e. my mums dementia. I was stupid but I’ll be honest, at the time I left my friends house I didn’t care about anything

Some very good advice from Big Tom . This forum is here for support so please don’t feel alone xxx

 

[nats]

Hi Tom. Thank you for your reply. It was so lovely of you to reply. I have now got over the straw that broke the camels back i.e. my mums dementia. I was stupid but I’ll be honest, at the time I left my friends house I didn’t care about anything

Dementia is horrendous my mum is in a dementia care home now we had to sell the family home . My mum turned from a lovely kind caring lady to an aggressive foul mouthed woman . The dementia help line is amazing they totally understand how you are feeling give them a call it’s well worth it xxx

 

[SaraC]

Dementia is horrendous my mum is in a dementia care home now we had to sell the family home . My mum turned from a lovely kind caring lady to an aggressive foul mouthed woman . The dementia help line is amazing they totally understand how you are feeling give them a call it’s well worth it xxx

Thank you for your reply. I’m so, so sorry to hear about your mum. It is such a horrible disease. I’ve worked with patients suffering from it both in the community and in car homes. I really hope you managed to find a good one for her x

 

[nats]

Thank you for your reply. I’m so, so sorry to hear about your mum. It is such a horrible disease. I’ve worked with patients suffering from it both in the community and in car homes. I really hope you managed to find a good one for her x

Holbrook in Horsham it’s lovely the careers are amazing I take my hat off to them they are so kind x

 

[Babylon]

Hi Sara, I’m really sorry to hear all you have been through. I will say though, and you will know this, but it in no way mitigates what you did. It absolutely will not fly as an excuse to the courts.

I blew higher than you. I blew 135. I also caused damage to other cars, and, even worse was that I had my child in the car. I could give a load of reasons as to why I was in that state but, at the end of the day, the reasons for the drinking doesn’t matter. All that matters is that I got in the car.

I had pre sentence reports done by the court with a social worker and the report was very positive. The sheriff (I’m in Scotland) did say that from reading the report my actions seemed very out of character. I received a 16 month ban and a £420 fine. I’m aware this was extremely lenient. (My ban is now over, but I haven’t applied for my license back. I’m not sure I ever will.)

I was (am) deeply ashamed. It was one of the worst experiences of my life, certainly the worst thing I’ve ever done, but I got through it, and so will you. I did a bad thing, but I know I’m not a bad person. I’m just so glad that no one was injured. It could’ve ended very differently.

I pleaded guilty and I used a solicitor. I wish I’d gone with the duty solicitor as I paid £1500 over 2 court dates and I don’t think the solicitor even said a total of 30 words. There really wasn’t much for them to do.

I also work in mental health and am registered with a professional body. I told my work and the professional body straight away. My work were very supportive and the professional body didn’t take any action against me - no warnings or anything.

I know it seems like now like it’s the end of the world, but please believe me that you will move on from this. Don’t let this one error define you. I felt better/relieved once the final court date was over.

Good luck.

Hi, I’m also health professional with registered body and looking over previous tribunals, most similar cases result in being struck off and I’m absolutely terrified. My manager is pure evil and has been bullying me for 4 years. The minute she finds out I’ve been arrested and charged, she’ll crucify me. I’m going to lose my job, my house and my daughter. I’m currently in hospital due to suicidal thoughts. Have contacted solicitor but everything closed till tomorrow…also in Scotland.

Can’t see how I can get through this. I’ve ruined my daughter and my partner’s life with my utter stupidity.

 

[Bad_karma]

Hi, I’m also health professional with registered body and looking over previous tribunals, most similar cases result in being struck off and I’m absolutely terrified. My manager is pure evil and has been bullying me for 4 years. The minute she finds out I’ve been arrested and charged, she’ll crucify me. I’m going to lose my job, my house and my daughter. I’m currently in hospital due to suicidal thoughts. Have contacted solicitor but everything closed till tomorrow…also in Scotland.

Can’t see how I can get through this. I’ve ruined my daughter and my partner’s life with my utter stupidity.

Do you mind me asking what body it is or whether you had severe aggravating factors?

I have experience with a few medical regulators and would be very surprised if you were struck off for a drink drive conviction.

 

[Babylon]

Do you mind me asking what body it is or whether you had severe aggravating factors?

I have experience with a few medical regulators and would be very surprised if you were struck off for a drink drive conviction.

It’s HCPC. Don’t know if these count as aggravating factors: bullying by line managers and toxic workplace, bullied by ex husband who treats me badly when trying to communicate re our daughter, significant physical and mental health conditions. But basically I was utterly stupid and reckless!!

 

[Bad_karma]

It’s HCPC. Don’t know if these count as aggravating factors: bullying by line managers and toxic workplace, bullied by ex husband who treats me badly when trying to communicate re our daughter, significant physical and mental health conditions. But basically I was utterly stupid and reckless!!

I really can’t see HCPC striking you off for a drink driving conviction providing you have no prior offending history or aggravating circumstances related to the incident.

When I said aggravating I mean something which made the situation considerably more serious, eg someone was badly injured, you assaulted police when being arrested etc. If it is just a simple drink drive (and your first) then you are likely to just get a short suspension or caution from the regulator.

Mitigating factors are things which count in your favour, eg no criminal record. A lot of the things you laid out, eg bullying, aren’t really examples of this unfortunately. I would also really caution you about bringing these up as well, either in court or with the regulator as they are likely to have a negative impact on the outcome. The fact that your ex partner and manager bully you is likely to be perceived as a lack of both remorse and insight into what you’ve done, rather than evoke any sympathy. Courts and regulators usually like people taking full accountability at an early opportunity.

 

[Babylon]

I really can’t see HCPC striking you off for a drink driving conviction providing you have no prior offending history or aggravating circumstances related to the incident.

When I said aggravating I mean something which made the situation considerably more serious, eg someone was badly injured, you assaulted police when being arrested etc. If it is just a simple drink drive (and your first) then you are likely to just get a short suspension or caution from the regulator.

Mitigating factors are things which count in your favour, eg no criminal record. A lot of the things you laid out, eg bullying, aren’t really examples of this unfortunately. I would also really caution you about bringing these up as well, either in court or with the regulator as they are likely to have a negative impact on the outcome. The fact that your ex partner and manager bully you is likely to be perceived as a lack of both remorse and insight into what you’ve done, rather than evoke any sympathy. Courts and regulators usually like people taking full accountability at an early opportunity.

Sorry, my mistake for not understanding what aggravating factors meant. No other people involved, I hit a kerb and crashed into a roundabout. No previous issues with police, etc and clean licence. Full compliance with police, etc. reading was 108 and from reading few posts here, I seem to be looking at long ban, etc assuming sentencing is same in Scotland. Wouldn’t try to excuse my abhorrent behaviour in anyway to either court or regulatory body. Thanks