A popular local entertainer has been fined £1,000 and banned from driving after admitting drink-driving.

Linda Joyce Meier, of Balleigh Court, Ramsey, was driving home after performing at the British pub as Little Miss Dynamite on December 8 when she was stopped by police.

After being unable to produce a sample of breath at police headquarters, the 67-year-old failed a blood test with a reading of not less than 142 - the legal limit is 80.

Magistrates banned her from driving for two years with an order to retake her test and attend a drink-drive rehabilitation course.

Prosecutor Barry Swain told the court how, at 11.40pm, police saw Meier driving her Mazda on Peel Road in Douglas.

She was said to be driving erratically, slowing down then speeding up, and swerving to the middle of the road then towards the kerb.

She then drove straight over the Quarterbridge without going around the mini-roundabout and was eventually stopped by police near Braddan School. Meier told officers she had just finished a gig and was tired and had also recently had eye surgery.

She claimed she had only drunk half a lager earlier in the evening but failed a roadside breathalyser test.

Erratic

After being arrested on suspicion of drink-driving she was taken to police headquarters where she was unable to provide a sample of breath so agreed to take a blood test instead.

Defence advocate Jane Gray told the court her client had held a driving licence for 44 years and other than two speeding matters about 18 years ago, had never been in trouble.

’Ms Meier works as an entertainer,’ said the advocate. ’She has done this for over 40 years.

’On the day in question she had been driving home after performing at the British. This requires her to take her own equipment.

’On the evening, she had confined herself to two single vodkas, three and a half hours before driving home.

’However, shortly before driving home a patron handed her a glass of champagne which she drunk quickly.’

Ms Gray went on to say that the police had mentioned how friendly and co-operative Meier had been.

The advocate continued: ’There was no traffic on the road. Ms Meier was engaged in conversation with her passenger.

’She said she often can slow down and speed up if she is chatting.

’She is honest and hardworking and very popular on the local circuit, and described as doing anything and everything for everyone.

’This is very much out of character.’

Meier was also ordereto pay £125 prosecution costs.