CONCERNED workers at a Penrith Marks & Spencer store called the police after seeing a seemingly drunk customer drive away in her car.

Magistrates heard how a short time later that customer, 54-year-old Elizabeth Davidson, was visited by police and found to be have almost four times the legal amount of alcohol in her system for driving.

At Carlisle's Rickergate Magistrates' Court, she admitted drink driving.

Peter Kelly, prosecuting, said the defendant went into the M&S in King Street in Penrith at around 4pm on March 26.

She left ten minutes later, having bought alcohol.

"Staff had concerns about her state," said the prosecutor. "She apparently had some difficulty in carrying out the transaction.

"Police were informed about the circumstances because she was seen getting into a vehicle, a white Kia Sportage."

Armed with the car's registration number, police traced the defendant, and went to her home at Derwent Close, Penrith, arriving about 45 minutes after she had left the Penrith store.

As she answered the door, Davidson seemed confused, said Mr Kelly.

A breath test recorded her alcohol level of 129mcg in 100mls of breath.

The legal limit is 35mcg.

In her police interview, the defendant said she was a recovering alcoholic.

She confirmed visiting the store and said she she got home at around 4.30pm, quickly drinking a bottle of wine.

Mr Kelly said the defendant was convicted of another drink driving offence committed in April 27.

Steven Marsh, for Davidson, said the defendant, a widow for the last 16 years, lived alone and suffered from cirrhosis of the liver.

"She accepts that at the time of this offence she was alcohol-dependent," said the lawyer.

"When she was drinking, it would be the equivalent of two bottles of wine per day she consumed.

"She's had help in the past and she has been referred to Unity [the drug and alcohol agency]."

A woman of previous good character, she had been depressed.

On the day in question, she bought a bottle of wine and four cans of lager.

Mr Marsh said at the time she was breathalysed she probably had a breath alcohol reading of around 66mcg.

"It's affected her profoundly," said the lawyer.

He added that she had now arranged to dispose of her car.

Magistrates imposed an eight week jail term, but suspended the sentence for a year.

Davidson must complete 15 rehabilitation days with the Probation Service and banned her from driving for 36 months.

The defendant must also pay £80 costs and a £115 victim surcharge.