Drink driver who had children in car avoids jail

A woman who had four children in her car when she drove at more than three times the legal limit for alcohol, has avoided jail.

Louise Kimber, 43, of Frampton Court in Wilton, Wiltshire, was seen swerving across the A345 and into a hedge near Salisbury on 11 August 2024.

She pleaded guilty to drink driving and careless driving at Salisbury Magistrates' Court. Kimber was disqualified from driving for 60 months, ordered to complete 200 hours of unpaid work and given a 12-week prison sentence, suspended for two years.

"Not only was Louise Kimber putting her own life in danger, but also the lives of the children in her vehicle and other road users," said PC Munns from Wiltshire Police.

Wiltshire Police said an off-duty police officer had reported seeing children in the vehicle and raised concerns about the manner of driving.

The vehicle was later found parked at Longhedge, Salisbury.

Four children were inside and Kimber identified herself as the driver shortly after leaving a nearby shop. She was arrested after a positive breath test.

"Drink driving is not tolerated and there is never an excuse to be behind a wheel of a vehicle after having alcohol", PC Munns added.

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