A woman convicted of drinking and driving twice in one day was handed three years probation yesterday.
At 8:40 a.m. on Jan. 5, Diedra Fougere was involved in a minor accident on Regency Drive. She blew 1.30 and 1.20 in two breathalyzer tests.
Then, 10 hours later, police responded to reports of someone driving erratically. The officer noted Fougere had a blank look in her eyes, slurred speech and couldn’t stand up without assistance. She refused a breathalyzer.
Fougere appeared at her sentencing yesterday telling the court she had been sober for over four years before the January incident. Losing her job and low self-esteem led to depression and a relapse, she said.
But now Fougere said she attends at least four Alcoholics Anonymous meetings a week, has a part-time job helping seniors and plans to go to school.
“I’m glad no one was hurt,” she said.
Judge Barbara Beach said ordinarily Fougere would be getting jail time, but Beach said she was impressed with Fougere’s efforts since her relapse.
The curative discharge means Fougere is not allowed to have drugs or alcohol, or drive for three years. She must also come back to court in May for an update.
