A Felixstowe drink-driver has been banned from the road for two years after being caught behind the wheel while nearly three times the legal limit.

Birgitta Woolmer, of Glemsford Close, admitted driving with excess alcohol when she appeared before South East Suffolk Magistrates’ Court.

The 58-year-old was stopped by police shortly before 7.25pm on October 26.

Prosecutor Colette Harper said police had seen Woolmer’s Hyundai Santa Fe travelling at between 10mph to 15mph before turning into Grange Farm Avenue in Felixstowe without holding a steady line.

The vehicle was then driven at around 20mph and went over a kerb and onto the pavement before almost hitting a traffic island.

It then turned into Hall Pond Way, nearly striking the kerb again.

The Hyundai was then stopped in Cricket Hill Road.

A roadside breath test indicated a positive reading.

The court heard a subsequent test showed Woolmer had 100 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath. The legal limit is 35mcgs.

When asked if she had anything to say about the incident, Woolmer – representing herself – said: “Absolutely no excuse whatsoever. What I have done is totally wrong. I had a couple of glasses of wine during the day and didn’t eat enough food.”

In addition to her 24-month driving ban Woolmer was given a 12-month community order by magistrates and ordered to do 80 hours’ unpaid work.

She must also pay a total of £295 in court charges and costs.