A DRINK driver who crashed into a wall in the early hours of the morning has been spared jail.

Bethany Wheeler was found by police in her car having hit the wall in Barrow town centre.

The 30-year-old, of Lord Street, admitted driving while over the alcohol limit when she appeared before South Cumbria Magistrates' Court.

Magistrates were told she had 113 milligrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of blood, over the limit of 80, having collided with the wall near Ramsden Square.

Prosecutor Lee Dacre told the court the incident happened just before 4am on March 5.

He said: "Police were told of a vehicle that had crashed into a wall just off Ramsden Square roundabout.

"Officers found the defendant in the driver's seat.

"She was slurring her words. The emergency services were called to assist.

"She had to be taken to Furness General Hospital."

The court heard she was serving a suspended prison sentence at the time of the incident for assault.

In mitigation, Trystan Roberts told the court how Wheeler was at a 'low ebb' following an argument with her partner and 'downed' alcohol before getting behind the wheel.

He urged the court not to activate the suspended sentence, saying: "Miss Wheeler pleads guilty at the first opportunity. 

"Since this incident she has not touched a drop of alcohol.

"It would be unjust in the circumstances. It would impede the progress that's clearly been made."

Magistrates sentenced Wheeler to a fine of £100 for the offence. They also banned her from driving for 16 months and ordered to take part in an alcohol treatment programme for at least six months.

Sentencing Wheeler, chair of the bench Sharon Gillam said: "We've taken a long time discussing this matter.

"This suspended sentence should be activated.

"But we are not going to activate that sentence. You will not be going to prison today."

But she warned Wheeler: "You could have put lives at risk by doing this.

"This can't happen again."

Wheeler was also ordered to pay a £34 victim surcharge and costs of £85.