The 35-year-old mum from Slamannan, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was caught driving four and a half times the limit after a passer-by heard her child shout "stop mummy driving" from inside the red Ford Mondeo.

The woman, who was seen driving erratically in Castings Avenue, Falkirk, on July 28, was convicted of two breaches under the Road Safety Act and also breaching the Children and Young Persons Act when
she appeared at Falkirk Sheriff Court today.

Tests showed she had a breath alcohol level of 158 microgrammes, nearly four-and-a-half times the legal limit of 35.

Procurator fiscal deputy Neil Kinnear said a concerned member of the public alerted the police after seeing the way the car was being driven.

He said: "The witness ran towards the car and opened the rear door to let the child out. She shouted at the accused to stop but she continued to drive in an erratic manner. She careered over the carriageway, mounted the pavement and hit a fence."

Defence agent Kevin Douglas said the woman was upset and realised the consequences of her actions, and realised she should never have driven in that state or had her child in the car.

He also described her as an alcoholic whose addiction had caused cirrhosis of the liver.

Family and friends of the accused sobbed loudly as Sheriff William Gilchrist sentenced the accused to 80 days imprisonment and banned from driving for three years.