A WOMAN who wanted a late night food shop was nearly four and a half times the legal drink drive limit when she was stopped by police.

Eilidh McKinnon, 25, of Castlehill Road, Dumbarton, appeared at Dumbarton Sheriff Court on Tuesday, February 7.

The mother of three previously admitted driving on Cardross Road on December 9 last year with 98 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath. The legal limit is 22 microgrammes.

Sentence was deferred.

Scott Simpson, the fiscal depute, outlined the circumstances of the case.

He said the offence came to light when police saw the car being driven by the accused in a manner which caused them "concern."

He continued: "They stopped the car and the only person in it was the accused, who was slurring her words.

"There was a strong smell of alcohol and a roadside test was carried out, which she failed."

McKinnon's defence solicitor said: "She left work at 9pm, gone home, had alcohol and gone out to pick up food.

"It was a ridiculous decision and now she's in a situation where she's lost her job as a support worker because the ability to drive was an essential part of the job. She's always worked."

The defence solicitor also told how the case had put a "huge amount of stress" on her marriage, that life had "become extremely difficult" and, due to her conviction she was unable to look for alternative employment.

Addressing McKinnon, Sheriff William Gallacher said: "This is a very serious matter and you are already facing the long term consequences.

"This is not something that can be dealt with trivially."

The case was adjourned until March 16 for a criminal justice social work report and McKinnon's bail order was continued.

The accused is already prohibited from driving on the roads.