A woman who has a history of binge drinking had driven 40 miles from north Wales while more than two-and-a-half times the drink drive limit when she was stopped by police in Welshpool.

Geena Fraser, 26, admitted she had drank "too much" the night before but claimed she felt "safe to drive" from her home in Buckley to her friend's house in Castle Caereinion.

She pleaded guilty to driving a Volkswagen Golf on the A483 Welshpool Bypass while above the alcohol limit on July 26 this year when she appeared in court this week.

Welshpool Magistrates' Court heard on Tuesday, October 11, that Fraser had been on her way to see friends when she was seen swerving by another driver who had reported her to police.

Rhian Jackson, prosecuting, said that at around 9.30pm, Fraser was described as "nervous and fidgeting with her sleeves" and her eyes were "red and watery" after police constable Jones pulled over the Volkswagen Golf at the roundabout near The Old Railway store.

The officer arrested Fraser on suspicion of drink driving after she denied drinking alcohol, "stumbled" when she was out of the car and stated that her birthday was on "November 35". A test found that she had 285 milligrams of alcohol in her urine when the limit is 107. Ms Jackson told magistrates that Fraser was a woman of previous good character and no convictions.

Robert Hanratty, acting for Fraser, told the court that "it is very unfortunate that she finds herself in this situation". He added: "She is very anxious about her appearance in court. I no doubt that you will give her credit for her guilty plea."

The court heard from probation officer Joe Long who said Fraser had a "problematic history with drinking".

"Miss Fraser states she was binge drinking which was largely heavily influenced due to her being highly stressed due to vast debts. She now says she has a lot more control over her issues."

Mr Long added that since being stopped by police in Welshpool, Fraser had gained support from a substance misuse agency and her GP and now feels "more in control and consequential actions more clearly".

Magistrates banned Fraser, of Brunswick Road, Buckley, from driving for a period of 24 months, and they offered to reduce the period by 24 weeks if she completes a drink drive awareness course.

She was also handed a 12-month community order which includes 90 hours of unpaid work and 20 rehabilitation requirement days for support with alcohol abuse services, consequential thinking and debt management.

Fraser also owes the court £199 with a £114 victim surcharge and £85 prosecution costs.