Drunk Newcastle woman caught driving 'side to side' in Mercedes at 10mph

A drunk Newcastle woman was caught driving at 10mph as her car snaked side to side down the road.

Egle Liaudanskyte was behind the wheel of a Mercedes C220 on April 17 when police saw her crossing lanes and driving slowly down a street. When the 41-year-old was pulled over by officers, she "appeared intoxicated" and was found to be uninsured.

This week, Liaudanskyte, of Whitethorn Crescent, Cowgate, Newcastle, appeared at Newcastle Magistrates' Court charged with drink-driving and driving without insurance. She pleaded guilty to the offences.

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The court was told police were on patrol in the Walter Terrace area of Newcastle when their attention was drawn to Liaudanskyte's Mercedes. Stephen Davies, prosecuting, said: "She was driving 10mph in a 30mph zone and was going side to side over the central lane crossing and returning to the kerb.

"The vehicle turned into Walker and the [police's] blue lights were activated. [Officers] found the defendant in the driver seat appearing intoxicated. A roadside breath test was carried out and she was arrested."

Andrew O'Hanlon, defending, told the court Liaudanskyte was "mortified at what's happened". He said: "She's been in the country many years and is her first contact with police. She has a low paying job in a shop but will now need to find a new job.

"She is widowed and it explains why she was intoxicated. She is still suffering."

Liaudanskyte, who was of previous good character, was fined £120 and banned from driving for 18 months, which can be reduced if she completes a driving rehabilitation course. She must also pay £85 costs and a £48 surcharge. She was also given six penalty points.