A WOMAN who crashed her car at 5.30am claimed she had smoked cannabis after the collision to calm her nerves.

Blackburn magistrates heard Kimberley McCabe was eventually charges with failing to provide a sample despite giving a roadside sample, agreeing to a blood sample and giving a first urine sample because she was unable to provide a second within the required time.

McCabe, 32, of Colne Road, Brierfield, pleaded guilty to failing to provide a specimen and possession of cannabis. She was made subject to a community order for 12 months with 20 days rehabilitation activity requirement and 100 hours unpaid work.

She was banned from driving for 44 months and ordered to pay £85 victim surcharge.

Andy Robinson, prosecuting, said police were called to a crash in Kelbrook at 5.25am. They formed the opinion McCabe was under the influence of something and she was arrested.

John Rusius, defending, said his client was driving to Skipton to pick up a friend and they were then going to a car boot sale. Something ran out in front of her and she swerved and hit a bollard.

"She smoked some cannabis after the collision to calm her nerves," said Mr Rusius.

He said she co-operated with the roadside test for alcohol which was negative and the drugs swipe. At the police station she agreed to provide a blood sample but the doctor was unable to get a sample.

"She co-operated fully and it was not her fault," said Mr Rusius.

"They moved on to urine and she provided the first sample as required. The second sample has to be provided within an hour and she couldn't do that, despite the police giving her several glasses of water."

Mr Rusius said by that time his client was distraught.

"She said she couldn't do it and just wanted to get home," said Mr Rusius.