A British Airways stewardess has been found slumped over her steering wheel whilst nearly five times over the drink-drive limit.
Emma Newton Owen, 45, was still wearing her cabin crew uniform when police discovered her blocking a roundabout after concerned drivers reported her erratic driving.
The mother-of-one later told officers before being breathalysed: “I am going to be honest, it’s going to come back positive.”
Police initially thought Newton Owen was having a medical episode when they arrived at the scene near Guildford, Surrey, on September 19.
Emma Newton Owen’s solicitor Annie Finn told the court her client’s actions were a “cry for help”
A taxi driver had moved her car to the side of the road after it had blocked an ambulance crew from continuing their journey.
The incident occurred as she was driving home to Horley from Heathrow Airport after completing a short-haul flight.
A subsequent blood alcohol test at the police station revealed she was almost five times over the legal drink-drive limit.
Newton Owen’s solicitor Annie Finn told the court her client’s actions were a “cry for help” due to ongoing domestic violence.
The court heard she had dreaded going home and was now separated from her husband Gawain following his arrest.
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She was found still wearing her British Airways uniform (stock pic)
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There were allegations he had hit his wife with a bottle and threatened to kill her.
“There was a lot going on with controlling behaviour,” Ms Finn told the court. “All of it became too much and she took the decision to drive. This was a cry for help.”
Newton Owen, who has worked as a flight attendant for British Airways for 20 years, wiped away tears as she stood in the dock wearing a black and red check jacket.
The mother-of-one pleaded guilty to drink driving at Guildford Magistrate’s Court.
Chief magistrate Carol Magras adjourned the hearing for eight weeks to allow the probation service to prepare a pre-sentence report.
She was driving home from Heathrow Airport after a short haul flight
PA
Newton Owen, who had no previous convictions and was described as hard-working and of good character, will return to court in January for sentencing.
Newton Owen is currently on long term sick leave from British Airways, stating it was not safe for her to continue in her role as flight crew.
The single mother of a six-year-old daughter is being supported by her parents, who accompanied her to court.
Her husband is no longer living at the family home address.