ONE woman’s battle with alcoholism was outlined to Newbury magistrates on Thursday, February 4, after she was found drunk outside the town police station.
Officers received a call from a local taxi driver to say that he was concerned for the health of his passenger, 45-year-old Margaret Gordon of Battle Close, Speen, Newbury.
Zainab Mohamed, prosecuting, said: “He reported that he was outside the station with a drunk female passenger and he was concerned for her welfare.
“Officers tried to rouse her numerous times by shouting at her and shaking her but were unable to get a response. Eventually, one officer pinched her fingernail and she mumbled that her name was Maggie.”
Ms Mohamed added: “Her head kept rolling from side to side because she couldn’t support it. She was arrested to prevent her causing harm to herself.
“She had to be supported between officers as they took her into the police station.”
Ms Gordon admitted being drunk in a public place on January 14 this year.
Her previous convictions include four alcohol-related offences, magistrates were told.
Ms Gordon, representing herself in court, told magistrates: “I acted extremely foolishly and I have total regret for my actions. I am a recovering alcoholic so I don’t usually drink.
“On this occasion I did and it went straight to my head. I have not had a drink since and I have a GP who is very supportive. I am working on it with my GP.”
Presiding magistrate Jenny Verity said the bench had noted Ms Gordon’s efforts to combat her addiction and accepted that this offence was an “isolated incident.”
Ms Gordon was made subject to a 12-month conditional discharge with no order for costs.
Mrs Verity added: “Don’t let this happen again.”