A woman who failed to provide a sample of breath to police has been fined £2,500 and banned from driving for five years.

Rachele Anette Quayle wept in court as she was also ordered to retake her test at the end of the ban and complete a drink-driving rehabilitation course.

The 39-year-old, who lives at Edmund Chadwick Close, Douglas, had pleaded guilty to the failing to provide offence as well as having no driving licence during a previous court appearance with the case being adjourned for a probation report to be prepared.

We previously reported that, on July 16 at 10.40pm, police received a report of a Ford Focus ’swerving all over the road’ on Douglas promenade.

They found the car at the Sea Terminal and Quayle, who lives at Edmund Chadwick Grove, Douglas, got out.

After failing a roadside breathalyser test she was arrested and taken to police headquarters.

Once there, she attempted to blow a number of times but was only able to provide one of the two samples required.

Her driving licence was also found to have expired.

Defence advocate Jim Travers handed in character references for his client who was said to work for a marketing company.

Mr Travers asked for credit to be given for Quayle’s guilty pleas and the fact that she had no previous convictions.

’Despite the nature of the offence, Ms Quayle was, for the majority of her interaction, co-operative with the police, though she was extremely distressed throughout,’ said the advocate.

’Clearly she shouldn’t have been behind the wheel. However, fortunately there was no property damaged or individuals injured as a result of her driving.

’Having reviewed CCTV footage from the intoxilyzer room there is no doubt she was distraught throughout the process. That doesn’t provide an excuse but it does give some context.’

Mr Travers referred to a probation report which said that Quayle had gone to meet a friend and made a last-minute decision to drive in order to save her dog’s feet being burned on hot pavements.

’She then made the rash decision to get in the car when she walked past it on her way home that night,’ said the advocate.

’Of course, that decision was taken while in drink.

’She has been receiving assistance from mental health services and Motiv8, which will ensure in future she will have better coping mechanisms in place to ensure she doesn’t resort to alcohol.’

The probation report assessed Quayle as a low risk of reoffending and of harm to the public.

Magistrates also ordered her to pay £125 prosecution costs, which she will pay along with the fine at a rate of £300 per month.