A MOTHER has apologised for drink driving.

Emily Colbourne, 33, of Henfield, was the first person to be charged as part of Sussex Police’s Christmas drink-drive campaign.

Colbourne was stopped by officers in Henfield Road, Small Dole, at 9.30am after dropping her children at school on Monday.

She claimed she was still over the drink-drive limit from the night before.

The police were tipped off by someone who saw Colbourne in School Road, Henfield, and did not think she was fit to drive.

A few minutes later she was stopped in Henfield Road and failed a breathalyser test.

She told The Argus: “I am completely devastated and would like to say how sorry I am that I was still over the drink-driving limit in the morning after drinks the night before.

“I, like many other people, truly believed I would have been legally allowed and was safe to drive.

“I really do hope others use this to make them realise, especially over the Christmas period, that it is not enough to rely on a night’s sleep and breakfast.

“I am in no way condoning driving over the limit or making excuses, but if my actions save another parent or person making the same mistake at least some good will have come out of it.”

Colbourne, of Nep Close, Henfield, was charged with drink-driving and bailed to appear at Worthing Magistrates’ Court on January 27.

She is one of a number of suspected drink drivers already stopped by police this month.

Sussex Police said they will pro-actively name and shame drink-drivers caught in December.

Anyone who suspects someone of drink driving can report them by texting 65999, visiting www.operationcrackdown.co.uk, or dialling 999.