A SOBBING woman said she could have killed someone after being drunk at the wheel, begging magistrates to take her driving licence away from her.

Ann-marie Bullock of Lilac Avenue, Worcester repeatedly broke down in tears at Worcester Magistrates Court on Thursday, telling the court about her struggles with her mental health as she seeks help for her issues.

The 62-year-old already had 10 penalty points on her licence when magistrates added a further 10 penalty points for failing to provide a specimen for analysis, resulting in an immediate driving ban.

Bullock admitted the offence after she was suspected of being drunk in charge of a vehicle in Worcester on August 16 this year.

Liz Blacklock, prosecuting, said a reading of 116mcg of alcohol was taken at the roadside (the legal limit is 35mcg) but she failed to provide an evidential sample at the police station.

Asked if there were any medical reasons why should could not provide a specimen, Bullock answered no.

"There is no evidence of any deliberate failure" said Miss Blacklock.

Bullock, who represented herself, said: "Your Honour, ladies, I'm deeply sorry for what I have done. I have been drink driving. I put my hands up."

Breaking down in tears, she told the bench: "I've got a lot of issues going on. I don't make any excuses. I'm so deeply sorry and I'm so deeply sorry if I hurt anybody."

Bullock said 'I don't need a solicitor to tell you what is going on in my head', telling magistrates she was getting support from mental health team Cranstoun which provides support to people battling substance misuse issues and from her doctor.

She added: "You take my licence off me please so I'm not going to be a liability to anyone else. Think before you drink and drive. I'm so sorry, so deeply sorry. It's a struggle when you're on your own with your mental health. Thank you so much for listening to me."

Bullock added: "I could have killed someone your Honour. I do apologise, lords and ladies. I'm struggling but I will get there. I will get there."

Magistrates accepted she had shown remorse, imposing 10 penalty points. This made her a totter and they banned her from driving for six months, fined her £80, ordered her to pay a contribution to costs of £135 and a victim surcharge of £34.

These fines were consolidated with her other outstanding court debts.