A WOMAN has been banned from the roads after admitting driving home from a 60th birthday party where she had been drinking.

Linda Young (55), of Rockwood Hill Road, Greenside, appeared at South East Northumberland Magistrates’ Court last Thursday, and pleaded guilty to the charge.

Prosecuting, James Long told the court that, just before midnight on February 8, a police officer saw Young’s car weaving across the A69 at Hexham.

The car initially failed to stop but the police officer caught up with the vehicle, which came to a stop on a sliproad.

Young was found to have 86 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 ml of breath. The legal limit is 35mg.

Defending, Michael Gibson explained Young was a former nurse of previous good character. He said she suffered from anxiety and depression, and this was worsened by two personal tragedies in her life.

“That night, she was at a friend’s 60th birthday party in Haydon Bridge,” said Mr Gibson. “She had one glass of wine, but the glass was never empty. She drank more than she had on the type of medication, and it had an effect and made her very anxious.

“She couldn’t stay in the crowded house and was overwhelmed by it.”

Young was banned from driving for 20 months, and ordered to pay a £180 fine. She must also pay a victim surcharge of £32 and costs of £85.