POLICE responded to a report of a woman falling down drunk before getting into her car and driving off.

Blackburn magistrates heard when police found Debra Walmsley sitting in the driver’s seat of her Peugeot car, wearing a seat belt and with the engine still warm the 54-year-old initially denied that she had been driving.

Walmsley, of Roe Greave Road, Oswaldtwistle, pleaded guilty to driving with excess alcohol.

The court heard the offence took place in Oswaldtwistle on February 8.

She was banned from driving for 20 months, fined £120 with £85 costs and a £30 victim surcharge.

Catherine Allan, prosecuting, said the report from a member of the public came at 1.30pm after Walmsley was seen getting into her car in Duke Street. Police found her in her car outside her home.

Neil Howard, defending, said his client had been in a very emotional state because of problems with benefits and had effectively been self-medicating with alcohol.

“She deeply regrets the loss of judgement which led to her getting in the car on that day,” said Mr Howard. “She was in a very low mood and simply wanted to get out of the house. She has not had a drink since this incident.”