JAIL time was on the cards for a Leeton woman following two traffic discretions, but magistrate Joy Boulos has given her one more chance.
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Natalie Ann Stanton appeared before Leeton Local Court on February 18 to be sentenced for two charges - driving with a mid-range PCA second offence and driving a motor vehicle while licence suspended second offence.
The drink driving offence dates back to January 28, 2019 when Stanton was found to have a blood alcohol reading of 0.130 after she was pulled over by police on the Back Yanco Road for a random breath test.
She told the officer she had consumed three glasses of wine between 9.30am and 12.40pm that day, but also said she had been drinking the night prior.
The protection of the community is what is most important now.
- Magistrate Joy Boulos
Then, on December 16 last year, she was stopped by police who found she was driving while disqualified.
Her solicitor Mark Del Gigante told the court 2019 had been the year Stanton had hit "rock bottom" for a number of reasons, including ongoing personal issues.
He said she was taking steps to pull her life together, including seeking out professional help, as well as selling her vehicle in a bid to not have any temptation to get behind the wheel.
"She certainly acknowledges the impacts of her offending," Mr Del Gigante told the court.
Ms Boulos said Stanton "posed a risk" to the community when she was behind the wheel and questioned whether time in jail would deter her from offending.
"At 0.130 you were well and truly over the legal limit," she said.
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"Your criminal history is riddled with drink driving matters.
"The protection of the community is what is most important now.
"Your offences do not only impact (your family) ... it impacts the community. I will give you this chance ..."
Stanton was handed two, nine-month intensive correction orders for both charges, ordered to complete 100 hours of community service and was disqualified from driving for a total of 21 months.
She will also have an interlock device fitted to a vehicle for 24-months when she is able to drive again.
The intensive correction orders will be served under the supervision of Griffith Community Corrections.