A 50-YEAR-old woman without a driving licence crashed her car into a hedge before failing to give a drink-drive specimen to police.

Lisa Jones, of Kingsford Caravan Park, Sladd Lane, Wolverley near Kidderminster was ordered to do unpaid work when she appeared at Worcester Magistrates Court on.

Eleaner Peart, prosecuting, said police were called to a crash in Kingsford Lane, Wolverley, on the evening of February 3 this year.

Police found a Hyundai crashed into a hedge with Jones in the driving seat, and a bottle of whiskey next to her that was a third empty.

The prosecutor said officers were suspicious she had been drink driving, particularly as she was shaking, unsteady on her feet, and not able to stand properly.

After being asked to take the roadside breathalyser test Jones did manage to give a sample, but at the police station an evidential sample could not be obtained.

“She was not blowing properly,” Miss Peart said.

“The defendant was making excuses, saying the machine must be broken.”

Miss Peart added Jones’ offence was aggravated by her being involved in the crash.

Jones had admitted driving without a licence or insurance, as well as failing to provide, and Jo Outhwaite, defending, explained Jones was a provisional licence holder.

“She had an argument with her partner and wanted to get away from the situation to calm down (driving the car),” Mrs Outhwaite said.

“She felt that was the best course of action at the time.

“It is totally out of character for her, she has never been in trouble with the police before.”

The part-time cleaner has said another vehicle had been involved in the crash which led to Jones coming off the road and Mrs Outhwaite said that could be supported by there being damage on the vehicle.

For the latest court and crime stories why not sign up to Sam Greenway's weekly newsletter? It's easy, just sign up for our email newsletters here and all the important stories that matter to you will be delivered straight to your inbox.

A probation service representative told the court Jones was separated from her partner and living with her children, adding she had been assessed as having a low risk of reoffending.

After magistrates’ deliberations Vicki Quarton, chairman of the bench, announced they had decided to give Jones a 12-month community order which requires she complete 40 hours of unpaid work.

Jones was disqualified from driving for 17 months but was offered the drink-drive awareness course which, if she successfully completes, will reduce her ban by 17 weeks.

Jones was also ordered to pay victim surcharge of £114 and costs of £135.

Her offer to pay the total, £249, in full within 28 days was accepted by magistrates.