Yes, Sometimes People Do Make Mistakes...

...in our so-called 'justice system' most of all.

Victoria McInerney caused thousands of pounds of damage when she smashed into a set of traffic lights on a main road in the early hours before falsely claiming that a thief had been behind the wheel. She punched the air with delight after walking free from court over the incident today, Tuesday.

The sales director and pilates studio owner was also allowed to keep her driving licence.

Wait, what?  

Michael Scholes, defending, told the court that his client acts as a carer for several family members and has a history of physical and mental health problems. He also described her as 'hard-working, responsible and well thought of young woman'.

Past tense, presumably? 

Mr Scholes added: 'There was a significant degree of brain fog. The extremely bad decision taken is so out of character that it suggests there must have been other factors beyond simply wanting to avoid responsibility.

'She is in a position to make reparations. It's entirely reasonable to suggest she will not trouble the courts again and she has the potential for a productive future.

'She is just the last person you would expect to see before the courts for this type of offence. Sometimes people make mistakes, and some mistakes have more serious consequences than others.'

*sighs* 

Sentencing, Judge Louise Brandon said: 'You deliberately provided false information to the police, and you did so in circumstances where you must have mulled it over before you did it. You caused valuable resources to be wasted when they could have been used elsewhere.

'It's clear you are someone who is held in high regard by anyone who knows you. You are of impeccable and positive good character.

'You deeply regret what you did. In panic, you didn't think through the consequences of your actions.'

But I thought she'd 'mulled it over', Louise? 

'You have had time to reflect and taken responsibility. I accept there were other factors in play, and that it was not all about wanting to avoid responsibility.'

She has only 'taken responsibility' because they had her bang to rights on CCTV... 

'Offences of this nature undermine the very nature of the criminal justice system.'

Not as much as judges like you letting people like her off... 

'But I very much doubt that we will be seeing you in this court again. You have never been before the courts before, and you don't pose a risk to the public in my judgement.'

The next time she gets behind the wheel sozzled, is it too much to hope it's one of the judge's friends or relatives in the path of her vehicle?