AN Alexandria woman got behind the wheel while under the influence of alcohol has been disqualified from driving and ordered to pay a fine.

Mandy McDonald, 29, drove a car on the A82 at the Lomondgate Roundabout, Dumbarton on September 11, with 126 microgrammes of alcohol in 100mililitres of breath, which exceeds the prescribed limit of 22 microgrammes.

McDonald, of Steele Crescent, Haldane, appeared at Dumbarton Sheriff Court on Friday for sentencing.

The court heard that witnesses were travelling towards Lomondgate Roundabout and observed a black Peugeot driving in an erratic manner, crossing lanes. The car stopped at traffic lights and when they turned green the car moved very slowly. They passed the vehicle and observed the driver slumped over the wheel.

Police attended at McDonald's house and the exhaust and the bonnet were still warm to touch and they found an empty wine bottle.

They knocked the door and McDoanld answered, they detected a strong smell of alcohol. Her eyes were glazed and she slurred her words. They asked who was driving the car and she said she was. She failed a breath test and was arrested and taken to Clydebank Police Station.

McDonalds defence solicitor Lauren Kerr, said: "She was happy to take responsibility and has to be able to drive for her work. She has not been before the court before. She was having a difficult time financially and turned to drink. She is incredibly remorseful and is keen to have the matter behind her."

Sheriff John Hamilton, fined McDonald £600 to be paid at £100 a month and disqualified her from driving for 22 months.

He said if she took and completed a drink driving rehabilitation course her disqualification could be reduced by three months.