A 56-year-old drink-driver has been fined £1,400 and banned from driving for three years.

Dawn Unsworth failed a breathalyser test with a reading of 89. The legal limit is 35.

Deputy High Bailiff James Brooks also ordered her to take an extended driving test at the end of her ban and complete a drink-driving rehabilitation course.

Prosecuting advocate Rachael Braidwood told the court that police received a report of a possible drink driver on October 22 at 10pm.

A witness said that Unsworth’s Citroen had hit a kerb and was stationary at Ballafletcher Road after attempting to turn into Tromode Woods.

The witness said that the Citroen was previously swerving as it travelled down Johnny Watterson’s Lane.

Police found Unsworth, who lives in Close y Lhergy in Union Mills, still sitting in the car and she was said to have appeared ’very drunk’ and ’confused’.

She told police she had been driving home after having a few drinks after a funeral.

Unsworth was taken to police headquarters where she failed the breathalyser test with the 89 reading and said: ’I’m so ashamed.’

The court heard that she has no previous convictions.

Defence advocate Stephen Wood asked for credit to be given for his client’s guilty plea and handed in letters of reference.

He said: ’Ms Unsworth had been at a funeral for somebody very close and clearly consumed too much.

’We accept the reading is relatively high. She is very embarrassed by how she’s behaved and wishes to move on in an appropriate way.’

Mr Wood said that his client had started seeing Motiv8 and hoped to retain her employment despite the inevitable driving ban.

Deputy High Bailiff Mr Brooks also ordered Unsworth to pay £50 prosecution costs, which she will pay, along with the fine, at a rate of £10 per week.