A WOMAN who was found drunk in her car with the engine running has appeared before magistrates.

Kirsty Ann Forsyth was charged with failing to provide a specimen for analysis after she was seen in charge of the vehicle in the Darlington area on November 4.

She pleaded guilty to the offence at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court yesterday, where prosecutor Joanne Hesse said the 39-year-old had provided a positive roadside breath test.

However, at the police station, she repeatedly failed to blow properly into the breathalyser, meaning the alcohol readings could not be confirmed.

Rory Todd, mitigating, said Forsyth, of Moffatt Road, Hartlepool, had been staying at her friends, but had forgotten her phone charger.

He said she had only started the car to use her in-car charger to ensure her mother who is unwell could get in touch.

Mr Todd said his client had asthma and had struggled with the tests due to anxiety.

Forsyth was fined £270 and ordered to pay fees totalling £115. Ten points were added to her driving licence.