A drink-driver who drove into scaffolding has been fined £1,600 and banned from the roads for three years.

Sixty-year-old Caroline Ann Rathbone-Scott was more than double the drink-drive limit when she crashed on High Street in Port St Mary.

Deputy High Bailiff Rachael Braidwood told her: ‘Luckily you didn’t hit anybody or cause damage. It could have been a whole lot worse.’

Prosecuting advocate Hazel Carroon told the court that the defendant was driving a Mercedes A180 on August 30, at midnight.

She hit scaffolding at a property on High Street in Port St Mary, causing extensive damage to her car.

Rathbone-Scott got out of the vehicle and when police arrived, they described her as smelling of alcohol, slurring her words, and unsteady on her feet.

She admitted she had been drinking and said: ‘Did I hit somebody? What did I do?’

A breathalyser test at police headquarters produced a reading of 79, more than twice the legal limit of 35.

Defence advocate Kaitlyn Shimmin handed in a letter to the court, written by the defendant.

The advocate said that stress had led to the offence, but Rathbone-Scott was now seeking help from her doctor, rather than turning to alcohol.

Ms Shimmin said that health issues with family members had contributed to stress the defendant was under.

Rathbone-Scott said she’d been drinking at the Railway Station pub before the incident.

Deputy High Biliaf Ms Braidwood said: ‘It’s a great shame you’ve reached the age of 60 with no previous convictions, and lose your good character for a journey you could very easily have taken on foot.’

Rathbone-Scott, of High Street, Port St Mary, must also take an extended driving test and complete a drink-driving rehabilitation course, after her ban ends.

She will pay the fine, plus prosecution costs of £125, at a rate of £15 per week.