A RECOVERING alcoholic was nearly double the drink-drive limit when she was pulled over at 12.15pm.

Blackburn magistrates heard police had been tipped off about a possible drink-driver and stopped Tracey Murphy on the hard shoulder of the M65.

At the time she had a severely autistic 18-year-old in the front passenger seat and a 13-year-old boy in the back.

Murphy, 49, of Burnley Road, Rossendale, pleaded guilty to driving with excess alcohol. She was fined £120 with £85 costs and £34 victim surcharge and banned from driving for 17 months.

Janice Valance, prosecuting, said when she was interviewed Murphy said she was a recovering alcoholic and when she woke in the morning shaking the only way to stop the shakes was to consume more alcohol.

Richard Prew, defending, said his client was "absolutely mortified" to be appearing before the court.

"She has struggled with drink which have now manifest themselves in her first appearance before the courts," said Mr Prew.

He said she had self-referred to Inspire and had been through detox but not with complete success.

On the day of the incident she received a call to say her mother was unwell and had made the foolish decision to drive to be with her despite having consumed some wine.

He said his client was a self-employed hairdresser and the inevitable driving ban would have a devastating effect on her.