A driver, who witnesses said fled the scene after a vehicle rolled over, said she was only looking for a tow company.
Emily Burn, 39, of Kyabram pleaded guilty in Echuca Magistrates’ Court to driving an unregistered vehicle and drink driving.
Prosecutor Senior Constable Abdul Fakhouri told the court police attended a single vehicle roll-over at Graham Rd, Kyabram, on January 8.
The vehicle, a Holden utility, had no registration plates attached to it.
Witnesses of the crash told police a female driver and male passenger had fled the scene and ran into a nearby industrial estate, Sen Constable Fakhouri said.
Police then located the pair in the industrial estate; Burn was breath-tested and recorded a blood alcohol concentration of 0.128.
The court was told she had one relevant prior conviction from 2013.
Burn’s solicitor Greg Johnston said his client and the male passenger had been celebrating, as they had just won a raffle at a nearby hotel; however, Burn was aware that she should not have been behind the wheel.
He said his client had advised that they were not fleeing the scene but instead heading to the industrial area to search for a towing business.
Mr Johnston said his client was employed and had described herself as being a social drinker only.
Magistrate Ross Maxted said it was unlikely that Burn and the other passenger were searching for a tow company at 7.55pm, as “most businesses” were closed at that hour.
In fining Burn, Mr Maxted said he had taken into account that Burn had one relevant prior conviction but that it was also her first time in court.
Burn was fined $1050 and disqualified from driving for 25 months.