A 72-year-old woman has won back her driving licence early after a ban for failing to provide a sample of breath.

Anna Parsons, of Ballachrink Drive, Onchan, was banned from driving for six years in July 2016.

But on Tuesday magistrates restored her licence early though she must still pass an extended driving test before driving again.

Prosecuting advocate Barry Swain told the court that in 2016 Parsons was seen driving a Mitsubishi Colt erratically in Ramsey.

Witnesses described her driving as ’all over the road’.

She then parked in the Shoprite car park with the rear of her vehicle sticking out causing inconvenience to other customers.

Witnesses said she looked unsteady on her feet as she entered the store.

She was arrested and taken to police headquarters where she failed to supply a sample of breath.

When interviewed she told police she had not drunk all day and had been preparing for a picnic.

She claimed her driving was as it always is but she could not remember the journey to the Shoprite supermarket.

Parsons told police she had been taking medication for vertigo and had not been wearing her glasses which she normally wore when driving.

She then claimed that she had provided a sample of breath but police confirmed that none had been given.

Defence advocate Stephen Wood said: ’The penalties these courts regularly impose are imposed for good reason.

’In order to reinstate a licence a person must demonstrate they have been of good character and led an industrious life.’

Mr Wood referred to character references describing his client as a ’caring lady’ who was a carer for a man who was in court to support her.

’She is not seeking early restoration for herself,’ said the advocate.

’She is seeking it so she can help others. She is a carer for a man who requires regular hospital treatment and it is desirable to drive to appointments.

’She had done a considerable amount of time off the roads.

’She recognises her mistake she made back in 2016 and has no intention of coming before the courts again. She simply wants to provide the best care she can.’

Mr Wood went on to ask the court to consider that it was a relatively short distance driven and that there had been no accident.

Parsons also handed in a certificate confirming that she had completed a drink-driving rehabilitation course.

Magistrates ruled that they would restore her licence forthwith, subject to her passing the extended test.