A WOMAN who crashed into the central reservation of the A1 after drink-driving, refused to do a breath test because she was 'in shock', a court was told.

Clare Galloway, 39, of Lawrence Street, Darlington, pleaded guilty to failing to give police a sample of breath, when she appeared before magistrates in Newton Aycliffe.

She crashed her white Audi, which became stuck on the central barrier, on the A1 south of Durham on September 23.

Ami Todd, prosecuting, said: "Police were called to attend the A1 where a vehicle had crashed with the central barrier.

"Miss Galloway was in an ambulance and she confirmed she was driving a lease car.

"She was asked to provide a roadside breath test and it showed a fail reading.

"She was arrested and taken to Bishop Auckland Police Station."

Rory Todd, mitigating, said: "Miss Galloway was fully compliant at the road side. She had been at her partner's address and planned to stay overnight. She had a drink, there was an argument, she got very upset and decided she needed to get out of there. She was very upset driving and was crying. There were no other vehicles on the road and she has collided with the barrier. She was checked over by an ambulance and she was ok.

"She was in a state of shock and very distressed at the police station. It was very confusing for her. She didn't realise a further breath specimen was needed and thought she had already complied."

Galloway was given a 12-month driving ban, fined £365, ordered to pay £85 costs and a victim surcharge of £35