A woman from Santon has been fined £500 after admitting drink-driving.

Claire Leanne Courtman, of Murrays Lake Drive, was also banned from driving for three years with an order to retake her test and attend a drink-drive rehabilitation course.

The 30-year-old failed a breathalyser test with a reading of 80 - the legal limit is 35, and was also ordered to pay £125 prosecution costs.

Prosecutor Rachael Braidwood told the court how, on July 19 at 8.56pm, police were called to an address at Station Park in Colby.

A witness had reported that Courtman was outside and described her as ’drunk and emotional’.

Police arrived and reported that she was unsteady on her feet, smelling of alcohol and struggling to focus.

She identified a van nearby confirming that it belonged to her and officers said that the engine was still warm.

Courtman failed a roadside breathalyser test and was subsequently arrested and taken to police headquarters.

She failed a further test with the reading of 80 and was interviewed.

She handed in a prepared statement saying she had visited a friend for a ’catch up’ and had been drinking cider and vodka.

She claimed she had not consumed the alcohol prior to driving but an expert’s report said that Courtman’s account ’lacked credibility’.

She later admitted the drink-driving offence.

Defending her in court advocate David Reynolds said: ’Ms Courtman says that, at the time, she had been in custody overnight and had not been in any trouble before so she was very anxious. She gave an account that was complete fabrication. She does suffer from mental health problems and has been under the care of mental health services all of her life. At the time she was anxious and feared what was going to happen.’

Mr Reynolds went on to say that his client had been alcohol dependent and under the care of the Drug and Alcohol Team for the last 18 months.

’The intention is for DAT and Mental Health Services to give greater support. She does have a robust plan in place but there is room to improve it even further,’ said the advocate.

’She didn’t feel under the influence, but maybe has a higher tolerance level as she is alcohol dependent.

’This has been a very sobering experience for her and she tells me she has no intention of being before the court again or being in police custody.

’She realises she is going to lose her driving licence and that is going to cause her some difficulty. She has also lost her good character.

’Her family are here supporting her. I am sure you won’t be seeing her in court again.’

Passing sentence, chair of the magistrates Gill Eaton said: ’We appreciate you have got some problems in your life and are being supported.’