‘Belligerent’ drunk driver fined for dangerous ride in Geraldton

A Geraldton woman has been fined over a drunk-driving incident during which she crashed her car into a bus stop and lashed out at responding police officers. Victoria Margaret Bell reappeared in Geraldton Magistrate’s Court yesterday for sentencing after pleading guilty to driving under the influence, dangerous driving, disorderly behaviour and obstructing public officers last month. Police say the 21-year-old got into her Mitsubishi Triton on January 15 after being asked to leave a Mount Tarcoola home due to her drunken behaviour. Prosecutor Sgt Troy Guildersleeve said she reversed into a brick letterbox before speeding down Ackland Road. “She turned around and drove back through three bins...spreading garbage everywhere, before driving over a bus stop causing extensive damage,” he said. He said police investigating the damage later found Bell with the vehicle and she gave a blood alcohol reading of 0.182 — more than three times the legal limit.She lashed out at police, punching, scratching and slapping an officer until she was pulled from the vehicle and arrested. About 4.45am she was taken to Geraldton Police Station where she behaved in a belligerent manner — tearing down posters and kicking an officer. Her lawyer, Karen Ward, told the court Bell had limited recollection of the incident but was “shocked when she sobered up”. “She has some difficulties with her mental health which she had started to address before this incident,” she said. “She’s now getting counselling from community alcohol and drug services and headspace.” Bell was fined $2700, had her licence disqualified for 10 months and ordered to pay $248.70 by Magistrate Chris Miocevich. “This is a serious example of dangerous driving, you put people at risk including yourself,” he said. “You’re lucky you didn’t get charged with assaulting a public officer too, I can only guess the officers saw you were under significant distress at the time.” “Despite the problems you’ve got you’re taking significant steps to overcome them and have a whole lifetime ahead of you.” Bell was granted a spent conviction due to her prior good behaviour.