A49 drink driver sentenced after assaulting police officer

Rosalyn Dunton, from Burgess Street, Leominster, was driving a Vauxhall Corsa on the A49 between Leominster and Hereford on July 28. 

Tom Wickstead, prosecuting at Hereford Magistrates Court, said the 29-year-old was pulled over by police because of the manner of her driving.

"She was placed in handcuffs and put in the back of a police vehicle," said Mr Wickstead.

"She slipped out of the handcuffs and kicked out at him [PC Thomas Henry], making contact with him. Other officers arrived to take the defendant to Hereford custody."

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The court heard that an evidential test showed that Dunton had 78 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath. The legal limit is 35mg. 

"The defendant cooperated fully and was fully remorseful of what happened to PC Henry," added Mr Wickstead. 

"She is seeking help for her alcohol usage. She had an excess alcohol conviction 2020.

"She had a 16 month disqualification but she did complete the course."

In defence, Chris Reid said Dunton is a lady who has started engaging with Turning Point to help with her alcohol issues. 

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"She gives a roadside breath test then handcuffed and placed in the rear of a police vehicle," said Mr Reid.

"She found herself in a very unusual situation and felt enclosed. She simply panicked.

"She was lying on the back seat of the car. The officer approached her and she simply kicked out.

"She calmed down in the police station and cooperated in the interview. She accepts what she did and apologises for her behaviour.

"She has anxiety and depression issues and has been allocated a key worker with Turning Point which she thinks will be more beneficial for her than medication from the GP.

"She has been working for a well known kitchen design company which involved her having to travel to individual customers. Her employers are aware of the situation."

Dunton, who pleaded guilty to drink driving and assaulting an emergency working in the execution of their duty, was disqualified from driving for 36 months  and told she would not be offered the drink drive rehabilitation course.

She was also fined a total of £1,107 for the two offences and told to pay PC Henry £50 compensation.

Court costs of £135 and a £443 government surcharge will also have to be paid.