Drunk Driver Claimed He Took Cocaine 'to Improve Concentration'

A woman who attempted to drive home drunk after a bingo night took cocaine "to help her concentration," a court has been told.

Samantha Doherty, 34, lost control of her BMW on a sharp turn and crashed into a garden wall in Huyton, Knowsley. Despite the car being totalled, neither she nor her three intoxicated passengers were injured.

Liverpool Crown Court heard that Doherty, a mother of two from Rainhill, was nearly twice the legal limit for alcohol and cocaine. She was sentenced to 14 months in prison, suspended for two years, and banned from driving for three years after pleading guilty to dangerous driving and drink and drug driving.

The incident occurred on February 11 when Doherty, her sister, and two cousins were spotted by police driving at 80-90 mph on Sussex Road, a 30mph zone. After losing control at a T-junction, she demolished a garden wall.

In court, Doherty, tearful, expressed deep regret. Her lawyer, Matthew Buckland, said she had no prior convictions and was a stay-at-home mother. "She is thoroughly ashamed of her actions," he added.

Judge Ian Harris, in passing sentence, criticised her for accepting cocaine from her passengers to help her focus, describing it as a "potentially lethal cocktail" while driving a powerful vehicle. He noted the tragic irony that she had been out celebrating her late grandmother’s life, adding, "You could have easily ended your life and the lives of others."

Doherty was also ordered to complete 120 hours of unpaid work and 20 rehabilitation activity days.