A 52-year-old drink-driver, who was more than double the legal limit, has been fined £1,500 and banned from driving for three years.

Louisa Debeer failed a breathalyser test with a reading of 78.

Deputy High Bailiff Rachael Braidwood also ordered her to take an extended driving test at the end of her ban.

Prosecuting advocate Hazel Carroon told the court that police were on patrol in Douglas on September 15, at 7.35pm.

They saw Debeer driving a Honda Jazz at Lord Street, with no headlights on, despite there being diminishing light.

The police followed her and witnessed her pull up at traffic lights which were red, but she stopped a car length over the line.

The Honda Jazz was also said to be straddling the centre lines in the road earlier in the journey.

Officers subsequently stopped Debeer at Hope Street, where she was said to have partly mounted the pavement as she pulled her car over.

When they spoke to the defendant, who lives at Peel Road in Douglas, she was described as having red, glazed eyes and was smelling of alcohol.

She refused to take a breathalyser test and was subsequently arrested and taken to police headquarters.

Once there, Debeer took a test which resulted in the reading of 78.

The legal limit is 35.

The court heard that she had no previous convictions.

Defence advocate Stephen Wood handed in letters of reference for his client, which he said perhaps provided greater insight into her character.

‘We are clearly dealing with a lady who is ordinarily completely law-abiding,’ said the advocate.

Mr Wood said that Debeer had been going through personal difficulties and a great deal of stress at the time of the offence, which had led to her self-medicating with alcohol.

Regarding Debeer’s refusal to take a test at the scene, Mr Wood said that she had been in a state of extreme distress at the time.

The advocate said that the defendant was now receiving assistance and that things were improving.

He went on to ask the Deputy High Bailiff for credit to be given for the guilty plea and added: ‘Ms Debeer is highly unlikely to appear in a courtroom again.’

Deputy High Bailiff Ms Braidwood told Debeer: ‘You were more than double the legal limit and police attention was drawn to your poor manner of driving.

‘Whilst finding solace in alcohol is one thing, getting behind the wheel and endangering others is quite another.’

Debeer must also pay £125 prosecution costs and will pay all amounts at a rate of £100 per month.