A witness contacted police after following a car which was being driven erratically all over the road, Wirral Magistrates heard.

Alison Margaret Coy, 39, of Highfield South, Birkenhead, who allegedly staggered from her car to her home, pleaded guilty to drink-driving.

A breath test showed a reading of 111 microgrammes of alcohol, which is more than three times the permitted amount.

Prosecutor Alan Currums said Coy when first seen by officers claimed she had not been driving, but later said she had drunk a lot of alcohol at a local pub and could not remember anything.

John Ballam, defending, said Coy, who had a clean licence, was thoroughly sorry and ashamed. She acted out of character.

She had not intended to drive. Her car was being driven home by a friend but they had an argument and he quit the vehicle. She then foolishly drove the rest of the way.

He said she spent some time in custody and the incident had been a great shock to her.

Coy was ordered to serve 50 hours of community work. She was banned from driving for two years but was offered a course which if completed will reduce the disqualification by a quarter.