A WOMAN who crashed into a house after driving home from her Christmas works party admitted to police she was over the limit, but then refused to provide a sample after being taken to hospital.

Donna Lloyd became belligerent to police officers at the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital following her arrest, showing an officer the middle finger and swearing.

The road traffic collision occurred in Llansantffraid on January 14, with police who arrived on the scene noticing there was significant damage to Lloyd’s grey Citroen, which had crashed into the porch of a house.

Single mum Lloyd, 41, admitted one charge of failing to provide a specimen for analysis when she appeared at Welshpool Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, February 20.

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Prosecutor Helen Tench said: “Police were on patrol in Llansantffraid. Officers came across a grey Citroen that had crashed into a property; there was significant front-end damage to the car and structural damage to the porch of a house.

“Air bags had been deployed. The defendant was located nearby, she was upset and appeared unsteady on her feet.

“She said sorry to the officers. She said had had had too much to drink, she was sorry and had been on her work’s Christmas party. ‘I’m going to be over, I’m sorry,’ she told them.

“She said she’d had five glasses. She had a lift home sorted but didn’t take it for some reason. She said she was on her own.”

At the hospital, Mrs Tench said Lloyd refused to provide a sample after being taken there by PC Harris.

“She was asked for a sample,” said Mrs Tench. “She refused, gesturing with her middle finger. She said ‘f*** you then, you’re not having a sample’. She was left in the care of the hospital.”

Mrs Tench said the homeowner had paid a £250 excess on her home insurance and there had been some damage caused by oil and leaking fuel.

Lloyd has no previous convictions.

Acting for Lloyd, of Lôn Yr Ywen, Pontrobert, Rob Hanratty said his client’s car insurance will cover the loss to the homeowner.

“This has been an unmitigated disaster all round,” said Mr Hanratty.

“She started a new life in Meifod, she has a job in a garage in Llanymynech, she is a hard-working lady and a single parent.

“She is embarrassed by her behaviour on the night and accepts full responsibility. Her response to the officer was out of character.”

Magistrates asked for a pre-sentence report, with probation officer Julian Davies telling the court garage forecourt worker Lloyd “deeply regretted” driving home from the works party.

“She’d been at a Christmas party and had made a previous arrangement to get a lift home with a friend,” said Mr Davies.

“She ate from the buffet there and drank wine. She went out for a smoke, and while out she was sick and felt embarrassed. So she drove home."

Lloyd received a 12-month community order, with 10 rehabilitation activity days and 40 hours of unpaid work.

She must pay £85 costs and a £114 surcharge. She was disqualified from driving for 17 months.