A motorist who was caught over the drink-drive limit has been fined £1,000 and banned from driving for two years.

Kirsty Louise Williams, of New Castletown Road, failed a breathalyser test with a reading of 62 - the legal limit is 35.

The 30-year-old was also ordered by magistrates to retake her test at the end of her ban.

Prosecuting advocate Barry Swain told the court that police stopped Williams while she was driving on the Main Road in Crosby on September 21.

They had been following her and reported that she had clipped a kerb and crossed the centre line.

She was said to be slurring her words and smelling of alcohol and failed a roadside breathalyser test.

A further test at police headquarters produced the 62 reading.

Defence advocate Jim Travers handed in references for his client.

He said: ’It is my submission this impressive set of references truly set out the real character of Ms Williams.’

Mr Travers asked for credit to be given for his client’s guilty plea and co-operation with police.

Miscalculation

’We are dealing with a young professional. It was a miscalculation on Ms Williams’ part,’ said the advocate.

’She consumed a can of pre-mixed spirit prior to driving, not thinking it would put her over the limit.’

Mr Travers said that Williams did not agree with the police statement which said she had clipped the kerb and attributed her manner of speech at the scene to her panicked state.

The court heard that Williams has no previous convictions.

Magistrates chair David Craine said while passing sentence last week: ’It is very unfortunate a single can was so powerful it put you up to a reading of 62.’

Williams was also ordered to pay £125 prosecution costs.