A MOTORIST who smashed into another car was over the limit after a can of lager topped up alcohol levels already in her system, a court heard.

Burnley magistrates heard how Donna Sutcliffe, 21, crossed the carriageway on Burnley Road, Cliviger, and hit a vehicle coming in the opposite direction.

The other driver was treated for minor injuries and the defendant failed a breath test.

Sutcliffe, of Manchester Road, Burnley, admitted driving with excess alcohol. She was fined £175, with £55 costs and banned for 12 months.

Andy Robinson, prosecuting, told the court Sutcliffe was taken to the police station after a positive roadside breath test. The lower of two tests there showed 57 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath - the legal limit is 35. She had no previous convictions.

Geoff Ireland, defending, said Sutcliffe was terrified and ashamed. She had one can of lager before the accident but it had topped up the drink from the previous night.

Mr Ireland said Sutcliffe had been travelling at about 40mph and thought she may have hit some ice on the road.