“Your subjective features are very positive,” magistrate Tony Murray said when sentencing her for a high-range drink-driving offence.

Mr Murray said a NSW Court of Criminal Appeal guideline judgement indicates Van Holten, 58, of Privett Place, should go to jail.

But he said there were aggravating factors with her manner of driving and the reading of 0.204.

He said evidence has been provided to him over the years indicating anyone who reaches a blood alcohol level of 0.20 has a recognised problem with alcohol.

Van Holten, who operates a mobile hairdressing business, appeared for sentencing in Albury Local Court after the preparation of a pre-sentence report.

Mr Murray said a 12-month suspended sentence would be imposed because of Van Holten’s lack of previous offending.

She was banned from driving for 12 months and has to complete a drink-driver education course.

The court was told Van Holten was driving a Toyota sedan west along Kaitlers Road at Lavington about 9.50pm on August 30.

A witness saw her driving very slowly and crossing to the wrong side of the road.

At one stage, she almost hit the gutter on the opposite side of the road and the witness started flashing his lights to stop her.

Van Holten pulled over near Cardo Drive, the witness spoke to her and contacted police.

But she walked off and police searched the area before finding her walking along Kemp Street about 10.40pm.

She was unsteady on her feet, had slurred speech and was arrested.

Van Holten admitted to police drinking four small bottles of chardonnay.

Solicitor Travis Johnson said Van Holten had held a driver’s licence for 39 years.

“This type of offence is out of character for her. It is the first time she has found herself before a court,” Mr Johnson said.

He said it was a wake-up call for her.

“She finds the whole thing quite embarrassing,” he said.