Repeat OUI Offender Arrested After Crashing Motor Scooter in Hingham

A 55-year-old Hull woman was arrested Sunday night for operating under the influence of drugs after she spun out on her motor scooter at the Hingham rotary while driving home. 

Police said the Gail Joyce of Hull suffered an injury to her face but refused medical treatment. 

When police and paramedics responded just before 9 p.m. Sunday, one officer who was a drug expert,  noticed her eyes were droopy and her responses were delayed, Sgt. Steven Dearth said.

Police described Joyce as being unsteady on her feet, stumbling, and swaying in a circular manner.

Joyce admitted to being on prescribed suboxone.  She was also found to have taken anti-depressant and anti-anxiety medication.

She was arrested for operating under the influence of drugs.  The OUI arrest was her fourth offense.

Sgt. Dearth said she had a valid driver’s license because her other OUI offenses occurred before 2005, when Melanie’s Law came into effect and strengthened penalties for repeat impaired drivers.

Joyce had two prior convictions for driving under the influence of drugs: out of Hingham District Court in 1997 and in 1993 in Quincy District Court.  She was also arrested for OUI liquor in 1996 in Dorchester.