A woman who tried to buy drink in breach of an alcohol ban must remain subject to the order.

Douglas magistrates told Angela Julie Maddrell, of Main Road, Baldrine, the six-month ban on buying alcohol must remain in place until September 23.

For the prosecution, James Robinson told the court 47-year-old Maddrell had been to the Co-op in Laxey and asked for a bottle of vodka but the sale was stopped when she was recognised by a member of staff.

Mr Robinson said Maddrell told staff: ’I’ve been sober for five weeks. It was a stupid thing to do and I don’t know what went through my mind. I want the ban in order to get better.’

Her advocate Peter Taylor told the court the defendant was making strenuous efforts to address her problem. She had made good progress and things were turning around for her, he said.

’This is one of the first slips she has made on the road to recovery,’ he said.

’She has mood swings and occasional negative thoughts and her mind goes to alcohol to relieve this.’

Magistrates’ chairman David Christian said the order should remain in place despite any social restrictions it placed on the defendant. She was fined £200 with £50 costs.