Emneth woman banned from driving for 40 months over yet another drink-drive offence

An Emneth woman caught drink-driving is considering appealing a conviction for the same offence four years ago, a court has heard.

The sentence for drink-driving or a similar matter twice within a ten-year period is a mandatory minimum three-year disqualification.

At King's Lynn Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, Tracey Massingham pleaded guilty to the latest offence but, through her solicitor, claimed that she was not the driver when asked to provide a sample in December 2014.

Andrew Cogan said she failed that roadside test and initially pleaded not guilty to drink-driving but was subsequently advised to change her plea.

“Quite why she was given that advice I have no idea,” he added.

However, magistrates were told that Massingham (35), of Hollycroft Close, also had two convictions in June 2015 for failing to provide a sample and pressed on with sentencing for her latest offence.

She was more than twice the drink-drive limit in Hunchback Lane, Wisbech, on October 23. She blew 77 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath; the legal limit is 35. Massingham, of Hollycroft Close, was disqualified for 40 months, fined £120 and told to pay £32 victim surcharge.