Sarah Morley is an experienced forensic scientist who specialises in alcohol and drugs-
related casework. Sarah prepares expert reports for criminal cases, and takes instructions in
civil, family and disciplinary cases. Sarah graduated from the University of Dundee with a
BSc (Hons) in Pharmacology and was awarded an MSc in Forensic Science from the
University of Strathclyde in 1996. She has been working with Keith Border Consultants since
1997.
In this presentation, Sarah describes what happens to the body when alcohol is consumed,
referring to blood alcohol concentration and the various factors that shape it. She refers to
the legal limits, and statute governing the use of alcohol when driving. She explains how
alcohol detection devices are operated and how results are analysed. She then highlights
various defenses available through Alcohol Technical Defence Calculations.

Key Words/Topics
Forensic Expertise
Alcohol in the body

Breath/Blood/Urine procedures
Defences to drink drive offences
Blood Alcohol Concentration
Units of Alcohol
Theoretical maximum blood alcohol level
Driving Offences under The Road Traffic Act 1988
Drunk in charge
Drink driving
Failure to provide
Driving whilst unfit through alcohol
Death by dangerous/careless driving
Drink Drive Procedure
Breath Testing Devices
Type Approval Documents
Roadside Devices
Evidential Devices
Lion Intoxilyzer 6000UK
Intoximeter EC/IR
Camic Datamaster
Blood and Urine Analysis
Alcohol Technical Defence Calculations
“Hip Flask Defence”
Unwitting consumption of alcohol
Medications
Reflux
Gastric Bypass
Uncertainties in Calculations
Fail to Provide
Miscellany