A YOUNG support worker prosecuted for drink driving on a street where there were children was so upset by her own behaviour she has given up driving.

Magistrates sitting at Carlisle's Rickergate court heard that Claire Louise Campbell, 24, was under the influence when she reversed her Vauxhall car into a Ford Fiesta.

She then almost reversed into another car as she tried to drive out of the cul-de-sac.

It happened in Stonegarth, Morton, Carlisle, on April 21.

"A member of the public came over to remove the keys from the car," said prosecutor Amy Labram.

She described how several witnesses were alerted to the accidents by a loud bang, then a scraping sound, as the defendant's car collided with the other vehicle.

At least three witnesses who gave statements to the police were putting children into cars.

"There was clearly an unacceptable standard of driving," said Miss Labram, pointing out there were children in the area.

Chris Toms, for Campbell, of Richmond Green, Carlisle, said the defendant was a hard-working young woman whose job involved her helping people get back into work.

"She's serving the community," said Mr Toms.

"She is otherwise a completely law-abiding young lady and this is her first brush with the law.

"But she is not brushing this aside, or treating it with any flippancy.

"She has been very concerned about the whole process."

Referring to the offence, the lawyer said Campbell had been out drinking that day and had not intended to drive home.

'She'd parked her vehicle outside her boyfriend's house but there was an argument with her boyfriend, and she was in an emotional state."

Mr Toms said it was the defendant herself who realised she needed to stop driving.

She had waited patiently for the police to arrive.

"She has wondered whether she will ever drive again," continued the lawyer.

"Right now she has no plans to drive her car and it is on the market to be sold.

"She was upset by the whole thing."

Magistrates noted that the defendant's alcohol reading - 78mcg in 100mls of breath - was high, given that the legal limit is 35mcg.

They banned her from driving for 18 months an imposed a 432 fine, 85 costs, and a 43 victim surcharge.

Campbell was also offered the drink drivers' rehabilitation course, which if completed by December next year will reduce her ban by 18 weeks.