A WOMAN has lost her licence after police saw her "swerving" in the road and found her to be more than twice the drink-drive limit.
Hedda Campbell, of Telegraph Road in Caldy, Wirral, appeared at Wrexham Magistrates Court on Monday.
The 62-year-old admitted that on May 28 at Chester Road in Wrexham, she drove a motor vehicle after consuming so much alcohol that the proportion of it in her breath exceeded the prescribed limit.
Prosecutor Molly Rumsey told the court that the defendant caught the attention of police officers due to her travelling in excess of the speed limit and "swerving" in the road.
When she was stopped she gave a positive reading for alcohol at the roadside, followed by an evidential reading in custody of 78 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath - the limit being 35.
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Alun Williams, defending, told the magistrates: "She has never been in any trouble and is thoroughly embarrassed about coming before you today.
"She is in some considerable pain and is on crutches because there has been a very swift deterioration and a frightening experience for her - she is suffering arthritis."
Mr Williams explained his client is a self-employed horticulturist and her health issues have had a "catastrophic impact" on her ability to work.
"On the day," Mr Williams explained, "She was in receipt of strong medication.
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"Earlier in the day she'd had some drinks and felt fit to drive.
"It appears the medication masked the effect of the alcohol."
The court imposed a £153 fine, £61 victim surcharge and £85 costs.
Campbell was also handed a 20 month driving ban.
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