Two for the price of one.

[speedking31]

Corrie actress in drink-drive arrest

My thoughts on how it panned out:

Barbara "You've just arrested my daughter who was driving me. How am I supposed to get home, I've had a drink or two."
Desk Sergeant "Would you mind blowing into this tube Rita."

[berlintaxi]

More likely, "Don't you know who I am? How dare you arrest my daughter"........" Have you had a drink recently? Madam".

[Laurel Green]

I'd imagine at that age she'd need a few drinks to steady her nerves before driving - a goodly defence I'd imagine.

[agtlaw]

"Further enquiries" = blood test.

[Who me ?]

Most appropriate comment "I don't REALLY KNOW".

[Martin4x4]

Exposes the sense of entitlement of some celebrities, no doubt she'll plead "I'm a celebrity, get me out of here" when it comes to court.

[agtlaw]

"Rita" pleaded guilty and was banned for 12 months.

Putting aside the fine, she was hit hard with prosecution costs and I suspect Freeman's bill was his usual £6,000 + VAT.

http://www.itv.com/news/update/2015-01-23/corries-...

[LoonR1]

Why did it take nine months to be dealt with? Aren't these offences usually dealt with inside a few weeks?

[agtlaw]

LoonR1 said:

Why did it take nine months to be dealt with? Aren't these offences usually dealt with inside a few weeks?

Firstly, she elected to have a blood sample. That takes a couple of months. Then she was charged. First hearing would be about a month later. She pleaded not guilty so the case was adjourned - presumably wishing to explore the possibility of a defence or special reasons with Freeman and an expert witness. Expert report takes a couple of months and judging from the size of the costs order it sounds like the prosecution instructed their own expert. Waited until the last minute to see if the CPS would make any mistakes with the service of evidence. They didn't. Case is listed before a DJ. Plead guilty, get whacked with costs and a fine at the top of the range. Freeman walks away with £10k but at least he got his face in the papers - albeit for another drink drive defence fail.

[LoonR1]

Fair enough, so just playing the system and delaying the inevitable, barring a prosecution technical cock up.

[Chrisgr31]

Although she wasn't far over the limit, at 85 when the limit is 80. Mind you its really not bright turning up at the police station after anything to drink.

[surveyor]

The reports say that they offered her a lift home and she was only arrested/stopped after she tried to drive home.

Sounds like they tried to help her and she did not spot it!