A BANNED motorist who was nearly five times over the drink-drive limit when she crashed her car during a morning rush-hour, has been warned by magistrates that she faces jail.

Court chairman David Davies told Helen Freeman he believed she had driven intentionally and must have been aware of the potential harm she could have caused.

Freeman, of West End Avenue, Harrogate, pleaded guilty to driving with excess alcohol, careless driving and having neither insurance nor licence.

The 48-year-old was bailed so probation and medical reports can be obtained on her before she is sentenced.

Steven Ovenden, prosecuting, told Harrogate Magistrates' Court that Freeman had her licence revoked in 2002 but was behind the wheel of her Fiat Punto in York Place, Harrogate, at 8.55am on June 13 when she ran into the back of a Renault Scenic in slow-moving traffic.

One witness said she had appeared totally ''spaced-out''.