A NURSE caught drink driving in Carlisle blamed her offending on problems at work, including a "misunderstanding" that led to her being the subject of written complaints, a court heard.

Margaret Anne Moss, 46, came to the attention of police after she was driving driving erratically along Moorhouse Road in Carlisle, prosecutor Pam Ward told the city's Rickergate Magistrates' Court. She pleaded guilty to driving while under the influence, with a reading in breath of 112mcg of alcohol in 100mls of breath.

The legal limit is 35mcg.

Prosecutor Pam Ward said witnesses became concerned after seeing the defendant in her Kia Venga car on Moorhouse Road on Sunday, September 22, in the late afternoon.

"She was driving erratically," said Mrs Ward.

"Witnesses saw her get out of the car and go to a McColl's convenience store, unsteady on her feet. Another witness saw her come out of the store and get into her car on the driver's side of the vehicle. He approached and took the keys."

Police later visited the defendant, who lives at Green Lane, Belle Vue Carlisle, and administered a breath test. Mrs Ward said: "She was fully frank when interviewed.

"She accepted that she drove while drunk. She couldn't remember doing it but accepted she had done it. She said she was disgusted with her actions, but struggling with alcohol problems and personal issues. She regrets her actions."

The court heard that the defendant was a woman with no previous convictions.

Rachel Ottley, for Moss, said: "She has lost her good character - and that is punishment for her."

The lawyer said that during their consultation Moss had spoken about a work based misunderstanding which had caused her distress and she was now signed off sick and facing a phased return to work.

Moss was keen to address the issues behind her alcohol use, said the lawyer.

"She has not had a drink since," she said.

A Probation Service worker in court said there were positive influences in the defendant's life which she hoped would help her ensure the offence would not be repeated.

Magistrates imposed a 26 months driving ban with 60 hours of unpaid work as part of a 12 month community order. She must also payn a £90 victim and surcharge, £85 costs. Moss was offered the drink drivers' rehabilitation course, which will reduce her ban by one quarter if completed in time.