A PENSIONER who has admitted her second drink driving offence has no intention of ever driving again.

At Carlisle's Rickergate Magistrates' Court, Christine Frances Smallwood, 68, pleaded guilty to driving her Ford Fiesta in Appleby while over the drink drive limit on September 27 last year.

Prosecutor Pam Ward told the court that Smallwood was found sitting her her car outside the town's Co-op store after a concerned member of the public contacted the police.

"The officers could smell alcohol," said Mrs Ward.

"She was fully frank, and said that she had driven to the Co-op after drinking two bottles of cider. She has a previous like offence."

A test showed that Smallwood was just over twice the drink drive limit.

Chris Toms, for the defendant, said she was a former professional lady who had retired a few years ago.

"One of her problems is depression, which leads to her using alcohol," said the lawyer. Mr Toms said that Smallwood had not only cooperated with the police on the day of the offence.

She had also volunteered the information she had actually been driving, ensuring she did not face a less serious charge of being in charge of a vehicle while over the drink drive limit.

The lawyer added: "She has a supportive husband and she has given up driving. She is not going to drive again.

"She has no intention of every driving again."

District Judge Gerald Chalk imposed a £315 fine, and costs of £85. He also ruled that the pensioner, of Newcastle Under Lyme, should serve a 45 month driving ban.