A decorated American servicewoman and chapel worker was caught drink-driving twice in six weeks, a court heard.

Penny Ann Portivent, 35, who is based at the US spy base at Menwith Hill, near Harrogate, North Yorkshire, admitted both charges.

Simon Berger, defending, told Harrogate magistrates that her duties at Menwith Hill were "very considerable at the moment" in the wake of the September 11 terrorist attacks on America.

He said the possibility of Portivent being discharged from her post could not be ruled out. She has already been reduced in rank and has had her pay reduced by £200 per month.

Hilary Reece, prosecuting, said Ministry of Defence police found Portivent's Ford Scorpio stopped near a gate to Menwith Hill, with a burst tyre on August 4. Tests showed her breath alcohol level to be 94 milligrams, compared with the legal limit of 35.

Then, on September 17, at 5.40pm, a police motorcyclist on the B6161 Killinghall to Otley road saw Portivent's car being driven dangerously and erratically, cutting bends and crossing white lines. Its rear fog lights were on, annoying other motorists.

Ms Reece said that when Portivent was stopped she was uncooperative, eating a mint when asked to give a breath sample. When a sample was taken it showed an alcohol level of 77 milligrams.

She was banned from the roads for three years, told to do 80 hours of unpaid community work and ordered to pay costs of £155.

Mr Berger handed the bench a letter outlining the nature of her work and the internal penalties imposed as a result of the two offences.

As well as a reduction in rank and pay, he said further punishment could follow for Portivent, who is active in the base's youth programmes and who did considerable work for its chapel.

Mr Berger said: "She is very sorry. She regrets profusely what she has done.

"She has a very good military record and it is a stain on that record to be before a court, particularly at the moment. She is very upset about that.