A SINGLE mother of twins stands to lose her job after being banned from getting behind the wheel following a  drink driving conviction.

Justine Miskell, 24, of James Street, Shield Row, Stanley, pleaded guilty at Consett Magistrates’ Court to driving with 86mg of alcohol in 100ml of breath. The limit is 35mg.

David Bryson, prosecuting, said police officers happened on a Ford Focus driven by Miskell which had hit a sign on Causey Road, Stanley, at 12.45am on Sunday November 20.

Dave Malone, mitigating, said Miskell had been drinking with friends at a pub a few miles away from home.

He said: “Her intention had been to get a taxi home, but by midnight thought she was ok so decided to drive.

“She miscalculated a turn into an estate and hit the sign.”

He added that she would be unable to work without her car because of a lack of public transport where she lives.

Miskell was disqualified from driving for 20 months, and offered the opportunity of a five-month reduction if she took part in a drink-drive rehabilitation course. She was also ordered to pay £443 in a fine and costs.