Drink drive mum was FIVE times over limit

She abandoned car and was found staggering in street

A mum- of-two has been banned from the road after she was spotted staggering from her motor.

Ann Welsh, 54, was seen stumbling from her car after pulling up outside a supermarket in the east end of Paisley.

Cops found her faltering on the pavement and she was more than five times the drink-drive limit.

Welsh has been disqualified for three years after she pleaded guilty at Paisley Sheriff Court.

Prosecutor David McDonald told how the alarm was raised after she was seen tripping after pulling up

He said: “A witness saw the vehicle driving and parking in East Lane.

“From the driver’s side, a female was seen to exit.

“This female was then seen to have staggered towards Tesco and entered the premises’ public toilets.

“This witness then saw the female leave the toilets and store and lost sight of her.

“They contacted police to say this woman was possibly drunk and had been driving.

“Police arrived and noticed the vehicle parked on East lane at the corner and sitting at an angle.

“They saw several empty beer bottles were on the back seat and the key was still in the ignition.”

Police traced the motorist after running checks on the ditched red Peugeot estate.

They spotted her weaving along the road just yards from the shop around 8.40pm on June 22.

Mr McDonald added: “Police saw her walking along and noted she matched the description.

“She was staggering along the pavement and struggling to hold herself up.

“She appeared to be heavily under the influence, slurring her speech and there was a strong smell of alcohol from her breath.”

Welsh told police she was walking home before breaking down in tears and confessing.

Defence lawyer Jonathan Manson insists his client’s life has been blighted by drink.

He said: “She’s married and has two children, who are grown up. “She turned to alcohol. “She’s had difficulties with alcohol for a period of time.

“It’s been a problem for around five years.”

The Crown applied to seize the car

Welsh revealed she had sold the car because she expected a lengthy ban.

Sheriff Tom McCartney warned she would face a harsh penalty for getting back behind the wheel.

He said: “I impose a fine of £1,000.

“I have reduced this from £1,500 due to your plea of guilty.

“You will be disqualified from holding or obtaining a driving licence for three years.”

Welsh, of nearby Endrick Drive, has been ordered to pay the fine at £100 per month.