Nairn support worker lost her job after turning up drunk in her car
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A SUPPORT worker lost her job after being called in on her day off to help out, only for her to turn up drunk in her car.
Lale Fleming’s colleagues at a Nairn residential care home informed the police, she was breathalysed and a test revealed she was almost three times the legal limit.
Inverness Sheriff Court heard her reading was 62mgs of alcohol when the limit is 22mgs.
Sheriff Paul Reid was told by fiscal depute Sharon Ralph that Fleming drove from her home in Elm Grove, Nairn into Seabank Road and the short distance to her place of work.
“It was noticed by members of staff that she was under the influence of alcohol and they called the police,” Mrs Ralph said.
Defence solicitor Willie Young said: “She is a support worker with a residential home close to her own. It was a day off for her and alcohol had been taken.
“She got a phone call asking her to assist and she agreed to help out. She chose to drive the short distance to her work. It was an error of judgement.
“She lost her job and now relies on her husband’s pension to survive. He is retired and has significant health difficulties and she is a carer for him.”
Sheriff Reid sympathised with Fleming (49). He decided against imposing a financial penalty because of the impact on her employment and her limited means.
He admonished her and banned her from driving for a year.
However the sheriff certified her suitable to take part in a drink-drive rehabilitation course which she must pay for.
If she is successful, then she will earn a three-month discount on her disqualification.
