A WOMAN from Ellesmere Port whose crashed car was seen on a roundabout has received a suspended prison sentence.

Tracy Quinn, 40, of Aldgate, pleaded guilty to failing to provide a breath sample after police caught her trying to report her car was stolen.

Chester Magistrates Court heard on Friday, March 8 Quinn was going through a traumatic time with family circumstances and had been drinking before the crash happened at Pooltown Roundabout at about 11.30pm on February 14.

Prosecuting, Rob Youds told the court witnesses had reported seeing the red Audi A3 at the roundabout and a female occupant wearing pyjama bottoms and a black vest had fled the vehicle.

Police traced the description to Quinn's address, where Quinn was said to be severely intoxicated and trying to call the police reporting her vehicle as stolen. Police terminated the call.

When arresting her, Quinn was verbally abusive, calling one of the officers a "rat", and failed to give a definitive breath sample, although one initial reading gave 188 microgrammes of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath – more than five times the legal limit of 35.

Quinn had no previous convictions and one previous conditional caution.

A probation report heard there were concerns for Quinn's mental health following the breakdown of a previous relationship and she had turned to alcohol as a result.

On the night of the offence her ex-partner had contacted her and the result of the conversation had heightened her anxiety.

She had fled the vehicle following the crash in a state of shock and was remorseful for her actions.

Quinn had already sought help for her alcohol issues at Unity House in Ellesmere Port and had further appointments lined up, the probation report added.

She had anxiety, depression and PTSD and had lost her job as a result of the offence.

Quinn had also broken her ankle and wrist from the crash.

Stephen Ferns, defending, added Quinn was a vulnerable lady and had no previous convictions.

Chair of magistrates Clive Mason told Quinn: "We accept your obvious remorse and your personal circumstances, but this was an appalling piece of driving."

Quinn was sentenced to a four-month prison term, suspended for two years, and must complete an alcohol treatment programme and 35 days of a rehabilitation activity requirement.

She was banned from driving for three years and must pay a £115 victim surcharge and £85 court costs.

The court heard compensation for repairs to the roundabout was being sought through the civil court.