A WOMAN has been given a lengthy driving ban after being caught nearly seven times the drink driving limit.

Islay McLeod, of The Brae, Kilmaurs, was caught driving on the A79 at Prestwick on June 14, after consuming so much alcohol that the proportion of alcohol on her breath was 146mg in a 100ml of breath which exceeded the limit of 22mg.

The 36-year-old appeared before Sheriff Mhari McTaggart at Ayr Sheriff Court last week.

Procurator Fiscal, Stephen McLean, explained: “At 8am on said date, the police were out on patrol and seen the accused driving a Seat Ibiza in an erratic manner.

“They pulled the accused over and could smell alcohol on her breath and she appeared to be confused, with slurred speech.

“She failed the breathalyser test with measure to be 146 micrograms of alcohol.”

Speaking on her behalf, defence solicitor Ms Stewart, said: “Ms McLeod realises how serious a matter that this is and she has been struggling with alcohol. 

“She was drinking until 3am and took her car to work.

“She has help for her alcohol issues and has not drank since this offence.

“She has been assessed for a community payback order and I would ask my lady, to step back from a custodial sentence and accept disqualification.

“Ms McLeod recognises that there was a severe lack of judgement.”

Sheriff McTaggart said: “Ms McLeod, I am taking into consideration your clear driving licence and no previous convictions.

“This is an extremely high reading that holds a custodial sentence but because you do not have any previous convictions, I will be placing you on supervision and a community payback order with 160 hours of unpaid work.”

McLeod’s car was forfeited and she was disqualified from driving for 40 months.