A Wanaka woman was given a lengthy sentence of community work and supervision for her drink-driving conviction, when she appeared in the Queenstown District Court yesterday.
Tracey Cless Jefferies (44) had admitted driving with an excess breath-alcohol level of 469mcg, on Dungarvon St, Wanaka, on February 19.
During sentencing, Judge Mary O'Dwyer said it was an aggravating factor that the defendant had her two children, aged 15 and 12, and one of their friends as passengers in the car.
The court earlier heard Jefferies had driven to pick up her children after consuming vodka.
Jefferies' 15-year-old son had been the one to notify the police, when he realised she was intoxicated and feared for their safety as she was driving towards oncoming traffic.
Judge O'Dwyer yesterday also took into account the defendant's counselling since the offence, and said Jefferies had "a troubled past".
Details in the defence council's submission to the court about personal and medical details were suppressed by Judge O'Dwyer.
Two previous criminal convictions were also taken into account, and Judge O'Dwyer sentenced Jefferies to 300 hours' community work and nine months' supervision.
She was also disqualified from driving for 18 months.
