A woman who was found drunk in a cleaning cupboard at Marks and Spencer has been fined.

Marie Redmond Roberts, of Tynwald Road, Willaston, had drunk a bottle of vodka and was found unconscious in the cupboard before being taken to hospital.

Roberts, aged 48, admitted the offence and was fined £500 when she appeared before magistrates for sentencing last week.

Prosecutor Barry Swain told the court how the offence took place at the Douglas store on December 22.

Roberts was in the store and bought a 70cl bottle of vodka.

She then entered a cleaning cupboard and drank it.

Staff tried to rouse her but were unable to.

Police arrived at the store and found the woman being cared for by staff.

Roberts was still incoherent and unable to stand unaided so paramedics were called to the shop.

She told police that she could not remember much after drinking.

Defence advocate Michael Mudge said: ’This incident was totally out of character.’

He added: ’She has not drunk alcohol at all since this incident and has assured me she will not be here again under any circumstances.’

Roberts will pay the fine and costs at a rate of £40 per week.