A WOMAN who drove into a hedge with four children on board while under the influence of alcohol has received a suspended sentence.

43-year-old Louise Kimber of 43 Frampton Court was seen swerving across the centre line of the A345 and into a hedge while driving toward Salisbury just after 4.30pm on August 11, 2024.

An off-duty police officer reported they had seen children in the vehicle at the time and raised concerns with police about Kimber’s driving.

Officers found the reported vehicle parked up at a car park in Longhedge, close to where the offence was first reported, following a search of the area.

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Four children were found inside the car and Kimber, who had left to visit a nearby shop, identified herself as the driver.

Kimber was found to have been more than three times over the legal alcohol limit for driving following a preliminary breath test and she was arrested.

She pleaded guilty to drink driving and careless driving at Salisbury Magistrates’ Court on Monday (April 7).

She was disqualified from driving for 60 months, ordered to complete 200 hours of unpaid work and committed to prison for 12 weeks, suspended for two years.

PC Munns, from Salisbury Team 1A Response, said: “Driving whilst under the influence of alcohol is one of the ‘Fatal Five’ offences, meaning it’s one of the five main factors that cause serious road traffic collisions.

“Not only was Louise Kimber putting her own life in danger, but also the lives of the children in her vehicle and other road users.

“Drink driving is not tolerated and there is never an excuse to be behind a wheel of a vehicle after having alcohol.”