A HIGH-level drink driver who crashed into two parked cars in Wodonga and rolled her vehicle has no recollection of the incident.
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Kathryn Joy Weemaes caused $12,000 damage during the incident on August 5 last year, fuelled by a blood alcohol reading of 0.232.
While no-one was injured in the crash, which occurred on Nordsvan Drive, magistrate David Faram told the Wodonga Magistrates Court on Tuesday the incident was “just terrifying”.
The 58-year-old had argued with her husband before getting a bottle of wine and heading down to Willow Park to drink.
Weemaes likely had alcohol in her system before she started on the bottle, and consumed about two-thirds of it.
She made her way from the park to the Nordsvan Drive and slammed into the two parked vehicles about 4.45pm.
Police were called and she returned the high alcohol reading back at the Wodonga Police Station.
The impact caused significant damage to one car and the owner received $12,000 from Weemaes, as her insurer wouldn’t cover drink driving.
Lawyer James Sloan said his client had issues with alcohol and mental health, but hadn’t received so much as a speeding ticket in her 36 years behind the wheel.
“These are long term problems … quite deep-seated mental health and alcohol problems,” he said.
Mr Faram said it was incredibly lucky Weemaes’ car hadn’t hit someone.
“This was very dangerous to yourself and other people,” he said.
If nothing else, the incident would perhaps been a catalyst for change, Mr Faram said.
He disqualified her from driving for 27 months – three months more than the minimum – and fined her $1500.