A hospital worker has been fined £1,000 and banned from driving for three years for drink-driving.

Charlotte Kelly failed a breathalyser test with a reading of 88. The legal limit is 35.

Magistrates also ordered the 27-year-old to retake her test at the end of the ban and complete a drink-driving rehabilitation course.

Prosecuting advocate Roger Kane told the court Kelly was seen driving an Audi A3 on Ballafesson Road in Port Erin on January 18 at 3.50pm.

A witness reported that the Audi hit the rear of a stationary vehicle before driving away.

Police called at Kelly’s home in Barna Beg, Port St Mary, where she was said to be unsteady on her feet, slurring her words, and smelling of alcohol.

She admitted driving, saying that she had driven into a wall near the Chinese takeaway. When asked if she had been drinking she said that she had not, but claimed that she had taken Valium.

However, Kelly later said she had panicked and admitted she had been drinking but had not taken any Valium.

At police headquarters she failed the breathalyser test with the reading of 88.

When interviewed she again admitted drink-driving.

Defence advocate David Reynolds said: ’The offence is aggravated by the fact there was an accident and Ms Kelly left the scene. She answered all the questions in interview.’

Mr Reynolds said that his client had been kept in custody for two days after concerns for her mental health.

He continued: ’On the day in question, her daughter was very ill. It was a stressful period.

’She doesn’t know why she went out in the vehicle. She went to get petrol for work for the following day but she can’t understand why she did it.

’Ms Kelly works at Noble’s. Her supervisor is here to support her. She is currently off with health issues.’

A probation report assessed Kelly as a low risk of re-offending.

Magistrates also ordered her to pay £125 costs, which she will pay, along with the fine, at a rate of £40 per month.