Driver made workers flee out of her path as she drove through Walsall roadworks

Mother-of -three Grace Dwyer was over twice the alcohol limit when she drove into trouble on the A5 near her Walsall home, Wolverhampton Crown Court was told.

The 26-year-old ignored a stop sign and refused to wait for an escort before going through the roadworks at more than the emergency 5mph speed limit.

Miss Alka Brigue, prosecuting, explained: "The road was being resurfaced and about 50 workers were employed in the area along with a number of heavy vehicles. Cones, bollards and signs warned of the partial closure of the road. Some of the workers had to get out of the way as she went by."

The incident happened on October 17, the court heard.

The mother gave one breath test that registered 75 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath – the legal limit is 35 – but refused to take the follow up check that is required by law. She later explained she had been drinking at home before deciding to drive to a supermarket to buy medicine for one of her children who was unwell.

Dwyer, who left the young children with her friend, told police: "Nobody jumped out of the way but road workers may have had to move onto the central reservation. I did not drive at anybody."

Mr Oliver Woolhouse, defending, commented: "It was an act of sheer stupidity for her to get into her car and drive off to the shops after drinking."

Dwyer of Tamworth Close, Brownhills pleaded guilty to dangerous driving and failing to provide a sample. She was given a six month jail sentence, suspended under supervision for a year with 80 hours work. She was banned from driving for a year. Recorder Keith Raynor said: "Your behaviour was idiotic, dangerous and foolish. "