A 54-year-old care worker from Onchan has failed in a bid to have her driving licence restored early after a drink-driving ban.

Maureen Whiteway, of Rosedene Avenue, was disqualified from driving for five years on June 3, 2014.

Whiteway was stopped by police while driving a BMW on Hillberry Road in Onchan at 2.40pm on May 30, 2014.

When stopped Whiteway was said by officers to be unsteady on her feet and slurring her words.

At police headquarters she said: ’I stupidly picked my son up when I shouldn’t have.’

She was subsequently banned for five years after pleading guilty to drink-driving.

A breath test recorded 107 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres - the legal limit in the Isle of Man is 35.

A disqualified driver can apply to have their licence restored early once they have served at least half their ban.

Prosecutor James Robinson opposed the restoration saying it was too soon considering the very high reading.

Representing Whiteway in court, her advocate Jim Travers said: ’Ms Whiteway has worked as a carer for over 20 years at a facility on the island.

’She is absolutely devoted to what she does.

’I would submit that this is one of the most selfless applications seen before the court.

’It is not about driving in her own time.

’As a full-time 24 hour care facility problems arise and she wishes to be able to respond if matters arise on her watch. Up to now staff colleagues assist in covering for her.’

Magistrates’ chairman Ken Faragher said: ’We have every sympathy with your situation.

’But we consider the nature and seriousness of the offence is such that we have to dismiss your application.

’You can re-apply three months from today.’