Police smash window on drink driver's car after chase
A woman high on drink and drugs almost hit oncoming traffic, clipped a kerb and mounted the pavement while pursued by police.
Kirsty Tompkins was banned from driving after pleading guilty to dangerous driving at Wolverhampton Crown Court.
The court heard how she had taken cocaine and downed eight pints before getting behind the wheel of the Chevrolet in the early hours of March 28.
The 39-year-old was spotted driving erratically by police in Noose Lane, Willenhall, who ordered her to stop. She did, before accelerating down Willenhall Road as officers attempted to speak to her.
She was then chased for almost a mile before being forced to a halt.
But she then refused to open the car door and police had to smash a window to remove the ignition key and prevent her driving away again.
Mr Edward Soulsby, prosecuting, said: "She then refused to give her name and address before continuing to misbehave on the way to the police station, where she refused to take a breath test."
Tompkins, who was of previous good character, later confessed to having drunk eight pints and tested positive for cocaine.
Mr Mukhtar Ubhi, defending, said: "She had not been in a police station before but obviously has alcohol and cocaine problems."
Tompkins, of Bruford Road, Pennfields, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving and failing to provide a specimen of breath.
She was given a one-year jail sentence suspended under supervision for two years.
She was further ordered to go on a substance misuse intervention programme, pay £540 costs and was banned from driving for four years.
The sentencing of Tompkins comes as drivers who get behind the wheel drunk, or high on drugs, are being targeted by traffic police as part of a month-long summer clampdown.
