Emma Maree Turnbull, 37, of Lagoon Road, The Lagoon appeared before magistrate Michael Allen on January 16, charged with mid range PCA.

Police facts tendered to the court told how at 8.35pm on December 2 last year Turnbull was stopped for a random breath test.

Police asked for her driver’s licence and she told them she didn’t have it on her, adding “she thought it was at home.”

Turnbull underwent a roadside breath test which produced a positive result, and she was arrested and taken to Bathurst Police Station. 

At the police station she admitted to drinking five 355ml bottles of Pure Blonde beer between 6pm and 8.20pm at the O’Connell Hotel, during which time she ate very little food. A subsequent breath analysis returned a reading of 0.113.

When police asked Turnbull why she drove, she told them “a taxi would be too expensive.”

References tendered to the court spoke highly of Turnbull; Paul Melham told the court of Turnbull’s professional success, describing her as one of the leading female drivers in the state as well as being an ambassador for women’s cancer personally raising $12,000 for research into Ovarian cancer.

Other referees included the former chief operating officer for Harness Racing NSW, Reid Sanders, who spoke of Turnbull’s integrity.

Other referees told how she has been a volunteer member of the Lagoon Bush Fire Brigade for 10 years.

Mr Allen convicted Turnbull, disqualifying her for six months, with Section 225a of the Roads and Transport Act to apply.

She was also fined $450.