MEMBERS of the public had to intervene after a drink-driver crashed her car then tried to get back in and close the door.

Alison Lithgow, 58, appeared at Glasgow Sheriff Court for sentencing after previously pleading guilty to driving more than four times over the limit, colliding with a car, assaulting a police officer and acting in an aggressive manner on September 25, 2020.

Procurator fiscal depute Danielle McGuinness said: “At 7pm, the witness was driving on Easterhouse Road and her attention was drawn to a Volkswagen Golf. She noted this vehicle to have poor lane discipline. When pulling up alongside, she observed the accused to be smiling at her.

“She suspected the accused to be under the influence and police were called. At this point, the accused abruptly moved lanes nearly colliding with the witness’s vehicle causing her to break. The witness continued to follow vehicle.

“A second witness was stationery within her vehicle at a red traffic light. The accused collided with the rear of her car, causing damage.

“The first witness exited her vehicle and spoke with the accused and noted her speech to be slurring. The accused appeared confused and was unsteady on her feet. The second witness approached the accused and formed the same opinion. The accused entered her vehicle and attempted to close the driver side door. The first witness held the door open and the passenger of the second witness’s car stepped in.”

When cops attended, Lithgow stepped out of her car. Officers noted her speech to be slurred and her eyes glazed as well as being extremely unsteady on her feet.

When asked who was driving, Lithgow stated ‘it was me’. She returned a positive roadside breath test and was arrested and conveyed to Coatbridge police station.

She then kicked out at a female police officer’s leg and was restrained. She was cautioned and charged and replied, “I’m trying to take that in”.

Lithgow’s lawyer said: “She is ashamed, embarrassed, and remorseful for her conduct. She had been drinking then completely blacked out. She has no recollection of the events.

“She has a number of difficulties relating to her physical and mental health. She would be in a position to pay a fine and is aware she will be disqualified. She would benefit from supervision. This is some she actually wants as she’s been trying to get help.”

Sheriff Valerie Mays told Lithgow: “This is a serious matter, particularly driving whilst under the influence. It was quite a high reading. You placed yourself and others at significant risk.”

Lithgow was fined £425, disqualified for 21 months, and ordered to be under social work supervision as an alternative to custody.