Driver drank in back of police car

A boozy Coylton singer drunkenly slammed into a high- end car then drank a bottle of red wine in the back of a police car.

Maria Rice, of Barngove, Coylton, admitted driving dangerously while over the limit after a drinking session with her friend, failing to control her Toyota Celica Vvti on Holmston Road and colliding with a BMW M3 at around 2.30am on August 19.

The 54- year- old appeared at Ayr Sheriff Court last week and admitted failing to provide two breath specimens at Saltcoats Police Office.

Depute fiscal Scott Toal said: “The accused emerged from Millbrae and collided with the side of the other vehicle, who stopped at Moray Park and noticed that the driver was staggering.

“She had continued to drive along the road with her lights not on and her speech was slurred when he spoke with her.”

When police put her in the back of their car the self- employed performer opened a plastic bottle of red wine and began drinking before it was swiped from her.

Defence agent Mr Alexander said: “She had been been drinking at her friend’s house and cannot explain why she did not leave her car there.

“There is a background of depression and anxiety. She has been drinking too much to get through her relationship difficulties.”

Sheriff Mhari Mactaggart told the singer she needed more information about her situation with alcohol.

Rice has been disqualified from driving and is due to appear on December 20 at Ayr Sheriff Court for sentencing.