A WOMAN who washed down anti-depressant tablets with vodka crashed into the back of another car as she drove home.

Blackburn magistrates heard Leisha Jex had a conversation with the other driver before leaving the scene. She was detained by a passer-by after crashing into a wall on a restaurant car park.

Jex, 25, of Nelson Street, Accrington, pleaded guilty to driving with excess alcohol and failing to stop after an accident. She was fined £120 with £85 costs and £34 victim surcharge and banned from driving for 20 months.

Gillian Kennaugh, prosecuting, said Jex had driven to her sister’s house in Clayton-le-Moors at about 2pm.

“They had a row which upset her because they are very close,” said Ms Kennaugh.

“She went to a local store and bought a bottle of vodka and a bottle of cola which she used to wash down some anti-depressant tablets.”

Ms Kennaugh said Jex decided to drive home at 4pm and crashed into the rear of a Range Rover on Blackburn Road, Rising Bridge.

“She had a conversation with the other driver, who called the police, but then drove off,” said Ms Kennaugh.

“She passed a police officer at speed before pulling onto the car park of a restaurant where she crashed into a wall. She got out of the car and left but was detained by a witness.”

Ms Kennaugh said Jex gave a roadside reading of 89 and after being taken to hospital gave a reading of 72 against the legal limit of 35 at the police station.

Angela Grabowska, defending, said her client had taken about 30 anti-depressant tablets and drunk some of the vodka. “The rest of the day is a little hazy,” said Miss Grabowska.

“She doesn’t remember much until she woke up in hospital.”