An Onchan woman who refused to take a breathalyser test has been fined £2,000 and banned from driving for five years.

Kathryn Barry, aged 63, of Birch Hill Crescent, danced and hugged police officers before swearing at them and refusing to take the test.

Magistrates also ordered her to retake her test at the end of the ban and complete a drink-driving rehabilitation course.

Prosecuting advocate Chrissie Hunt told the court that police were called to Avondale Road in Onchan by a bus driver on January 23 at 8.40am.

He said that he had taken the car keys from a driver who he considered unfit to drive.

The weather was said to be treacherous with recent snowfall.

When police arrived Barry’s blue Mazda was parked across the road near to a Peugeot van.

The bus driver said he saw the Mazda slide and then spin. He said that he had shouted for the driver to slow down and the car had ended up next to the van.

He said he then spoke to Barry who he described as smelling of alcohol, unresponsive, and having rolling eyes so he took the keys from her.

She then walked off saying she had to care for an elderly man.

Police located Barry at home and she was said to be unsteady on her feet and slurring her words.

She was said to be distressed and highly intoxicated.

After being arrested Barry said: ’I’ve had some vodka. I took a chance but I had to get to him.’

Barry was said to have started dancing and hugging officers but then swore, telling police where to go when asked to provide a sample of breath.

Defence advocate Kate Alexander said that her client was a 63-year-old woman with no previous convictions.

’Ms Barry is absolutely mortified,’ said the advocate.

’This occurred a few months ago and has caused her anxiety while she awaits her fate. She no longer has the vehicle.’

Ms Alexander went on to ask for credit to be given for her client’s guilty plea but conceded there could be no credit for co-operation with police.

Magistrates’ chair David Christian told Barry: ’You were not co-operative with police, using foul language. This took place early in the morning and it took a member of the public to remove keys from you.’

Barry was also ordered to pay £125 prosecution costs which she agreed to pay, along with the fine, within seven days.