A WOMAN'S birthday celebrations turned sour when she made the "inexplicable" decision to drive home.

Blackburn magistrates heard Olivia Jackson collided with a taxi and was subsequently found to be nearly three times the drink drive limit.

Jackson, 27, of Eastern Avenue, Burnley, pleaded guilty to driving with excess alcohol. She was fined £384 with £85 costs and £30 victim surcharge and banned from driving for 24 months.

Andy Robinson, prosecuting, said a taxi was being driven on Century way at 5 am when a car pulled out and scraped his vehicle.

He followed the car to Eastern Avenue where the defendant got out of the car.

"He said what had happened and she became abusive," said Mr Robinson.

Damien Pickup, prosecuting, said the incident had been completely out of character for his client who had been driving for six years and not had a single penalty point on her licence.

He said she had gone into Burnley for drinks with friends to celebrate her birthday.

"She normally leaves her car in town and collects it the following day," said Mr Pickup.

"She can't explain why she decided to drive it home on this night," said Mr Pickup. "She has contacted the taxi driver and apologised and the damage to his car has been sorted out."