A DRINK driver has been given a five-year driving ban after being arrested twice within a week — and police had to chase her through a field to catch her.

Valerie Suzan Burnett, 42, pleaded guilty to failing to provide a specimen and driving while over the legal alcohol limit at the Isle of Wight Magistrates' Court on Tuesday.

The court heard how Burnett, of Farriers Way, Shorwell, was first arrested on January 18 when she crashed her car in Brighstone.

Prosecutor Ann Smout explained: "Police were called to an incident where Ms Burnett had crashed her car into a wall.

"When officers arrived, they were informed by a member of public they had taken Ms Burnett's keys away and she had run from the vehicle and was hiding in a nearby field.

"Police saw her standing in the field, but she started breaking into a run.

"As she ran she was able to climb over a fence and away from officers before reaching a second fence — a barbed wire fence — where they were able to catch up with her and grab her by the ankle.

"She wasn't asked for a roadside sample as she was evidently too drunk.

"Officers arrested her and took her to the police station where she repeatedly failed to produce an alcohol reading.

"Five days later, on January 23, at around 12pm, police on Farriers Way in Shorwell were following a car they were told had been in an accident earlier in the day.

"When police spoke to Ms Burnett, she was very obstructive and was again arrested and taken to the police station, where this time she blew an alcohol reading of 82. The legal limit is 35."

Burnett's defence, Liz Miller, said: "In relation to the first incident, she actually left her keys in the car and walked away from the vehicle before the member of public took them.

"She has been working as a personal assistant and she has been helping her parents run their farm." Magistrates disqualified Burnett from driving for five years.

She was also given a 12-month custodial sentence, suspended for 18 months.

She must pay court costs of £85 and a surcharge of £122.

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