Emneth woman Jenniene Baker avoids prison after drink driving while disqualified

A drink driver who got behind the wheel while disqualified has narrowly avoided prison.

Jenniene Baker, 54, of Hollycroft Road in Emneth, appeared in Lynn Magistrates’ Court on Thursday to be sentenced for two offences she pleaded guilty to at a previous hearing.

Prosecutor Qamar Iqbal said that on August 24 at 7pm, police officers had reason to stop the Renault that Baker was driving as she was a disqualified driver.

Once she was pulled over, a breath test was carried out which came back with a reading of 49mcg of alcohol per 100ml of breath. The legal limit to drive is 35mcg.

Mr Iqbal explained that Baker has more than 33 previous convictions to her name, including multiple driving-related offences and disqualifications.

“She has a number of previous convictions which puts her in the custody threshold,” said Mr Iqbal.

In mitigation, Annette Hall explained that Baker had suffered from several serious traumas in her life which has led to repeat offending.

“She fully understands that the starting point for this will be custody,” said Ms Hall.

Ms Hall explained that Baker decided to drive after her dog was unwell and needed to have an operation.

The solicitor said: “She was drinking because of the stresses and struggles going on at the time.

“My assessment is she will continue to re-offend if she doesn’t address her trauma. I’m not going into what the trauma is, but it started when she was four years old.

“She has suffered trauma upon trauma. This clearly is an issue that needs to be dealt with.”

Magistrates, led by Joselin Girling, disqualified Baker from driving for 48 months.

“We have looked at your appalling record and your previous disregard for sentences,” said Ms Girling.

“But we have taken into account the mental health report we have been given as well as the probation report.”

She was also handed a 16-week custodial period, suspended for two years – meaning Baker will not go to prison on this occasion but will if she reoffends.

Baker will also carry out a 12-month mental health treatment requirement. She will pay court costs of £105, a victim surcharge of £154 and was ordered to complete 20 rehabilitation activity days.

“We don’t want to see you back in here, do not under any circumstances get back in the car,” said Ms Girling.