Leeds police officer flipped her car after drinking

Sarah Norfolk’s Ford Fiesta flipped on its side as she drove along Hanley Road in Morley at around 11.30pm on October 25.

Leeds Magistrates’ Court heard that the 37-year-old was still inside the vehicle when police arrived at the scene.

She went on to tell officers that she had drunk two bottles of beer and shared a bottle of wine before driving.

A bottle of Volvic water found inside the car contained vodka and Norfolk admitted drinking from that too.

The court heard that a breathalyser test recorded a reading of 131ml of alcohol in 100ml of breath – almost four times the drink-drive limit.

Magistrates were told Norfolk had no previous convictions and had been an officer of 10 years’ service with an unblemished record.

They heard she had not intended on driving that day, but became upset because of relationship difficulties and made what she described as “a horrible decision”.

Her solicitor said she was “thoroughly ashamed of her actions and they have, in her own words, ruined her life”.

Norfolk was suspended by the force initially but then allowed to resign because of her record. It meant she did not face disciplinary action.

The court heard she was now in financial trouble and could not afford her mortgage.

Norfolk, of Alden Fold, Morley, pleaded guilty to one charge of drink driving.

She was given a 12-week prison sentence, suspended for 18 months, with 10 rehabilitation and requirement days, 150 hours of unpaid work and a drink impaired drivers’ course. Magistrates also ordered that she pay £200 in penalties and banned her from driving for 30 months.