A BEREAVED woman who drove while almost three times over the legal alcohol limit finds solace in drink, a court heard.

Shirley Drew, of Ramsons Close, Malvern, was caught drink driving in February this year.

The 46-year-old had been visiting her blind father but drank whisky before getting in the car.

Police were called when she was involved in a crash in Horny Old Road, Malvern and, although no-one was injured, it was clear to officers Drew was intoxicated.

At Worcester Magistrates Court today, prosecutor Baljinder Kaur said Drew had 102mcg of alcohol in 100ml of breath - the legal limit being 35mcg.

"In interview she said she'd consumed whisky from the bottle about an hour before driving," said Mrs Kaur.

"She had also been drinking the evening before."

Edward Gaynor-Smith, defending, said Drew was struggling to cope with the death of three loved ones - her mother, her partner and the father of her nine-year-old child - who had died in a short space of each other.

"Miss Drew has suffered a lot of personal turmoil over the past 12 months," he said.

"Her father is registered blind. He is completely blind and following her mother's death Miss Drew took over her father's care."

He said Drew felt unable to cope and found "solace in alcohol" but, acknowledging her problem, had made positive steps.

"She has been referred to the community alcohol team and has already had some sessions with them.

"She has also seen a bereavement councillor."

The mother-of-one was banned from driving for 28 months and made subject to a 12-month community order.

She must be supervised by the Probation Service and complete a Drink Impaired Drivers programme.