A MOTHER lied to police by claiming she had driven a car involved in a crash in a bid protect the true driver — her teenage daughter.

Jacqueline Balboni, 53, was then breathalysed and arrested for being over the drink-drive limit, before confessing she had in fact been a passenger.

City magistrates heard that once in police custody she told officers: "I have got to tell you something, I know I said I was the driver — I wasn't, my daughter was. I only said I was to protect her, we are good people and I would never drink and drive."

Anwen Evans, prosecuting, said the incident happened at 10.50pm on August 12.

Ms Balboni and a friend had attended Swansea's Odyssey nightclub to support her daughter Laura Balboni, 18, who was singing there.

Afterwards, learner driver Miss Balboni drove her mother's car, and was en route to drop off their friend at Swansea Marina when they were involved in a collision with an Audi vehicle in Quay Parade.

Mrs Evans said Miss Balboni, who lives with her mother in Hilland Drive, Bishopston, was turning right towards Sainsbury's when the accident happened.

Immediately afterwards Ms Balboni, said: "We are screwed. Laura hasn't got a driving licence so we'll have to say I was driving."

"Police were called, and on arrival Jacqueline Balboni told them she'd been driving," said Mrs Evans.

She later admitted she'd had two glasses of wine and had asked Miss Balboni to drive home.

Mrs Evans said there were no L-plates on the car, and that police later arrested Laura, who had signed a note to say her mother was the driver.

The pair, who both have no previous convictions, pleaded guilty to obstructing a PC.

Ms Balboni also admitted permitting her daughter to drive without a licence and insurance, while Miss Balboni pleaded guilty to driving without a licence and insurance.

Ian Hopkins, defending, said Miss Balboni had a provisional driving licence.

Performing

"On the night in question she was singing and dancing in the Odyssey nightclub," he said. "After she'd been performing, it transpired that Jacqueline Balboni realised she'd drank more alcohol to what she'd thought."

Mr Hopkins said Laura was not charged with driving without due care and attention.

"She doesn't actually face an offence or conviction in regards to the manner of her driving itself," he said.

"Police arrived, and I think it was just sheer panic. She (Ms Balboni) didn't want Laura to get into trouble with the police, so she told them she'd been driving."

Mr Hopkins said he was concerned Miss Balboni had been charged with obstructing a PC as he believed she had possibly signed the note after her mother had confessed.

"They both are extremely contrite, but they accept that they acted wrongly," he said.

The court heard Ms Balboni was the sole breadwinner and was self-employed. Mr Hopkins said if she was banned from driving she would likely lose her business and her home.

Ms Balboni, who already has six penalty points on her licence, was issued with a further six. She was fined £370 and must pay £85 costs and a £15 victim surcharge.

Miss Balboni was disqualified from driving for three months and given a 12-month conditional discharge.

julia.bosnyak@swwmedia.co.uk