A DURHAM County Council worker found by police in her crashed car almost four times over the drink-driving limit has told magistrates she had only drunk two glasses of wine.

Shortly after 5pm on June 10 police spotted Dawn Gallagher’s damaged vehicle on Stockley Lane in Oakenshaw, near Brancepeth.

The blue Nissan had two flat tyres and damage to its alloys, with driver Gallagher later admitting she had been involved in a collision.

Officers found her in the driver’s seat where she “appeared to be confused and under the influence of alcohol”, according to evidence heard at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates Court.

The 53-year-old was arrested and later breathalysed, with results showing that she was significantly over the drink-driving limit.

Gallagher – of Farnham Road, Durham – admitted to drinking before driving, but claimed that she had a digestive disorder and had only consumed two glasses of wine.

Probation officer Hilary Payne told magistrates: “She had not been very well and had not eaten in five days. She is very remorseful over her behaviour and realises the danger she not only put herself in, but other people.”

Gallagher was given a ten-week suspended prison sentence, banned from driving for 32 months and ordered to pay a £200 fine and costs.

Kate Duncan, mitigating, said her client had since bought a bicycle and had no intention of driving again. She handed magistrates good character references and said Gallagher had engaged with counselling services.