A 26-YEAR-OLD Rishton woman over the drink drive limit went on the wrong side of the road to overtake cars queuing at traffic lights.

Blackburn Magistrates' Court heard that one of the vehicles in the queue was an unmarked police car and Sarah Ann Maxwell's driving was witnessed by three officers. When they eventually stopped her and spoke to Maxwell, she admitted she was drunk.

"I've drunk a bottle and a half of wine. What do you do when people keep buying you drinks?" she told the police.

Maxwell, of Henry Street, pleaded guilty to driving with excess alcohol. She was banned from driving for two years and fined £500 with £50 costs. Maxwell gave a reading of 97 against the legal limit of 35.

Sophie Lorimer, prosecuting, said cars travelling in the opposite direction along Copy Nook, Blackburn, had to take avoiding action as Maxwell, who had not switched the car's lights on, overtook vehicles waiting at the traffic lights.

Michael Blacklidge, defending, said his client had been working hard at her new management job with a local firm.

He added: "She has been working six days a week up to 10 hours a day and she realises that has been taking its toll."

The court heard she had gone out intending to have just a couple of drinks but drank more than she intended.

Passing sentence, the chairman said Maxwell's driving could have caused a serious accident.