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Drink-driving mum from Deal had daughter in car when she crashed in Dover Road, Langdon

05:00, 20 January 2023

updated: 14:38, 20 January 2023

A reckless mum crashed her car with her eight-year-old daughter inside after choosing to drive the morning after a boozy Christmas party.

Lauren Sanders, of Deal, was still almost double the legal alcohol limit when she decided to get behind the wheel of her silver VW Golf on the morning of December 10 - mere hours after knocking back drinks at a festive bash.

She the crashed the car into another on the A258 Dover Road, Langdon, near Dover, causing her daughter to burst into tears.

Police were called to the scene, where Sanders, 33, failed a breathalyser test and was arrested on suspicion of drink-driving.

She was later charged and admitted the offence when she appeared at Folkestone Magistrates' Court last Wednesday.

The court heard Sanders gave a breathalyser reading of 62 micrograms of alcohol in 100ml of breath - the legal limit is 35.

James Nichols, prosecuting, said: "It was a two-vehicle road traffic crash and there was damage caused to the bumper and the number plate.

Lauren Sanders has been banned from driving
Lauren Sanders has been banned from driving

"Her eight-year-old daughter was in the car and started crying and was visibly upset.

"[Sanders] was arrested and there was minor damage to the other vehicle. She's of previous good character."

District Judge Justin Barron heard Sanders - an end-of-life care worker - had been at a party the night before and thought she was fit to drive that morning. There were also icy conditions on the roads that day.

Lauren Sanders was found to be over the legal drink-drive limit
Lauren Sanders was found to be over the legal drink-drive limit

The court also heard she was also getting divorced after fleeing an abusive relationship and was currently living with her parents in Deal.

Judge Barron said he could see Sanders had some difficult circumstances going on in her life but told her to be more careful.

Sanders appeared at Folkestone Magistrates' Court
Sanders appeared at Folkestone Magistrates' Court

He added: "You put your eight-year-old daughter at risk, as well as others."

Judge Barron placed Sanders on a 12-month community order which will see her complete 15 rehabilitation sessions with probation.

He also banned her from driving for 17 months and ordered she pay a victim surcharge of £114, and £85 costs.

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