A Scottish woman was arrested after downing pitchers of martini at a golf club and then driving off with toddlers in her car. Kelly McLaren’s reckless behaviour continued as she threatened to petrol bomb the police who arrested her. The incident occurred when McLaren, who had been drinking heavily, struggled to stand up and had to use a wall for support. She was eventually arrested after speeding away from Kinross Golf Club.
The 29-year-old admitted to drink-driving at the golf club and on Kinross High Street on June 8, where she was nearly four times over the legal limit when tested four hours later. McLaren also behaved in a threatening and abusive manner, shouting, swearing, and making death threats during the incident. At Perth Sheriff Court, she was placed on a six-week restriction of liberty order, given a curfew from 8pm-7am, banned from driving for 18 months, and fined £375 by Sheriff Simon Collins.
Witnesses reported McLaren’s intoxicated state at the golf club from 6.30pm onwards, with her continuing to drink heavily until 9pm. She was seen taking keys from a child, putting the toddlers in the car, and driving erratically before abruptly stopping on the main road. When police arrived at her home, they found her drunk and hostile, making menacing remarks and claiming connections to Irish terrorists.
McLaren’s solicitor acknowledged her dangerous decision-making and the regrettable sequence of events that followed her brief drive. Despite expressing shame for her conduct towards the police, McLaren’s outbursts and threats put children’s safety at risk, leading the sheriff to describe her actions as “disgraceful.”
In summary, Kelly McLaren’s irresponsible actions after consuming alcohol at a golf club highlight the dangers of drink-driving and the serious consequences of threatening behaviour. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of responsible alcohol consumption and the need to prioritise the safety of oneself and others on the road.