Joanna Pinto appeared in the Magistrate’s Court on Friday for sentencing, having last month pleaded guilty to drink-driving in the early hours of 28 November 2021.
A blood test taken at Police Headquarters had shown that she had 239 mg of alcohol in 100 ml of blood, the legal limit being 80 mg. This level put her at the top of the highest band that the court uses to determine sentence.
Defending, Advocate Julian Gollop said that reports submitted to the court clearly showed that Pinto had taken positive steps to address her issues with alcohol, which she had used as a coping mechanism to address historical matters.
He added that the 47-year-old was also of good character, this was her first offence, there was a low risk of reoffending and she had admitted her guilt straight away.
“I have every confidence that Miss Pinto will not be seen before this court, or any other court, again,” said Advocate Gollop.
Assistant Magistrate Peter Harris agreed that a non-custodial sentence was the appropriate course of action.
“I hope you will address the matters set out in the background reports,” he told Pinto. “Advocate Gollop is confident that we won’t see you again, and I hope that is the case.”
