A HELSBY woman who told a police officer: "If you're going to breathalyse me I will fail" has been banned from driving for 18 months.

Victoria Mulvihill, 28, of Chester Road, had punctured two of her Volvo's tyres when she was stopped in Kennel Lane, Northwich at 1.35am on March 21.

She failed the breath test and gave a reading of 82 microgrammes of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath, more than double the drink-drive limit of 35.

Appearing at Chester Magistrates Court on Friday, April 5, Mulvihill pleaded guilty to drink-driving.

Prosecuting, Alan Currums said the police officer saw the vehicle's hazard lights were on and the key was in the ignition. The nearside wheels had been punctured.

Mulvihill had no relevant previous convictions.

Defending, Chris Murphy said Mulvihill was very embarrassed to be in court and had entered an early guilty plea.

She had agreed to go out with her boyfriend for a meal and drinks but afterwards found she had to go home as there were some difficulties with a relative.

As she drove she clipped the edge of the road, which caused a puncture. She stopped by the side of the road, put the hazard lights on and called her boyfriend to get a taxi.

As a result of the offence, Mulvihill had had to give up her job as a hairdresser as it was a car journey away, and her plans to open a mobile hairdressing business had to be stopped.

Her mum lives in St Helen's and is going to have an operation, meaning Mulvihill will struggle to get over to foster care for her 13-year-old niece.

As well as the 18-month driving ban – which could be reduced by 18 weeks if Mulvihill successfully completes a drink-drive rehabilitation course – Mulvihill was fined £120 plus £85 court costs and a £30 victim surcharge.