Colchester drink driver would be isolated' without car, court told

Defence barrister Bruce Clarke made the argument on behalf of Monika Raczynska, 31, who admitted one charge of drink driving before Chelmsford Magistrates' Court last Wednesday.

The incident took place on Sunday, August 11 when Essex Police were informed about a BMW being driven carelessly in Northern Approach, Colchester.

Limit – Monika Raczynska was over the legal alcohol limit when she was driving in Northern Approach last month (Image: Newsquest)

Grace Court, prosecuting said officers who stopped Raczynska noticed she “smelt strongly of alcohol and her speech was slurred”.

Mr Clarke, mitigating, argued Raczynska would be unable to cope without her car because she works nightshifts, adding she is "very brave" living in Colchester by herself.

He said: “These offences… there’s nothing unusual about the offence.

“What there is, is exceptional mitigation – she is isolated in these circumstances.

“She has no partner, no children.

“On that morning on August 11, her brother was killed in a car accident – though it was nothing to do with drinking.

“She’s taken it very badly.”

He added Raczynska now has to take a taxi get around and risks becoming isolated without her car because she would be unable to meet any friends.

He said: “For women living alone, a car is essential and she needs it back as quickly as possible.

“She is living in town, but a town dominated by men, I might add.

Offence – the court was told Monika Raczynska was drink driving in Northern Approach, Colchester (Image: Google Street View)

“There are 2,000 to 3,000 soldiers in that town and they are not all very good boys – it’s very brave of her.

“It’s powerful mitigation – it’s compelling mitigation.”

Magistrates were not convinced by the Mr Clarke’s defence, however, and banned Raczynska, of Maldon Road, Colchester, from driving for 23 months.