A LEARNER driver who drove a car with a nine-year-old boy as her only passenger refused to take a breath test because she knew she would fail it.

Police found April Robinson swaying on her feet and smelling of alcohol. She had gone behind the wheel after drinking vodka.

Beside her in the car was a nine-year-old child and both of them were in an “agitated” state.

After being arrested and taken to the police station, Robinson refused to take a breath test saying she would fail it.

Robinson, 35, of Vorlich Way, Dunfermline, appeared at the town’s sheriff court. Sheriff Charles MacNair banned Robinson for 18 months and fined her £670.

She admitted that on October 10 in Aberdour Road, Dunfermline, and elsewhere, she drove a car as holder of a provisional licence, not accompanied by a qualified driver and not displaying ‘L’ plates.

She also admitted driving without insurance. Robinson further admitted that at Dunfermline police station without reasonable excuse she failed to provide specimens of breath.

Depute fiscal Claire Bremner told the court another driver saw there was a vehicle which had stopped at a lay-by but it was sticking out onto the road.

The driver stopped thinking the car had broken down but – after speaking to the driver, Robinson – phoned the police.

The woman was trying to comfort the child and both were in an agitated state when officers arrived.

“She was unsteady on her feet, swaying back and forward. They could smell alcohol on her breath and she admitted she had been drinking,” said the depute.

After being taken to the police station, Robinson refused to give a breath sample.

“I know I’m going to fail,” she said.

Defence solicitor Stephen Morrison said: “She had been having difficulties with depression, anxiety and stress.

“She had been given three different types of anti-depressants, which didn’t agree with her and she’s stopped taking them. At this time, she was drinking more regularly than she had been.

“Prior to getting behind the wheel on this occasion she had consumed vodka in the house. She had a fair idea she was going to be over the limit.”