Daniela Diaz Prohens: Byron Bay cleaner pleads guilty to drink driving

A Byron Bay cleaner caught drink driving at more than twice the legal limit saw “no alternative to driving” after feeling threatened at a party, a court heard.

A Byron Bay cleaner was caught drink driving at more than twice the legal limit, prompting a magistrate to warn her about the harm caused to the community by her conduct.

Daniela Diaz Prohens, 27, was caught mid-range drink driving on July 23 after a party in Bangalow.

She pleaded guilty at Byron Bay Local Court on September 12 to mid-range drink driving with a reading of 0.101.

Prohens was pulled over for a random breath test at about 1.40am on Scott St in Byron Bay, according to police documents.

Prohens had consumed two beers and two glasses of wine between 8pm and 1am at a party and her eyes were glazed and bloodshot, her movements were clumsy and she smelt of liquor, police state.

Daniela Diaz Prohens exits Byron Bay court.

Speaking through a Spanish interpreter at court, Prohens said she was driving because she was scared after being followed at the party.

“There was a youngster who was following me and I was scared so I drove,” the court heard.

“I’m very regretful. I’m very remorseful, I ask for your forgiveness. It is not something I normally do and I will never do it again.”

Magistrate Karen Stafford said she understood Prohens was scared, but she said there is too much harm done to the community by people who drive when affected by alcohol.

“Drink driving is far too prevalent in Byron Bay and it must be stamped out through court orders that include convictions and disqualifications from driving,” she said.

“I know you have no criminal record in NSW and you pleaded guilty straight away.”

Prohens was convicted and fined $600 and requires a mandatory interlock device for 12 months, as well as having a three month disqualification starting on July 23.