A TOTLAND pensioner was caught drink driving by police following a tip-off — and has been banned from the road.

Ann O'Donnell, of Hurst Hill, appeared before the Isle of Wight Magistrates' Court on Tuesday (July 13).

The 75-year-old admitted drink driving on June 24.

Prosecutor, Ann Smout, told the court that at around 6.40pm, police received information about a suspected drink driver. They were told a female driver ­— O'Donnell ­— had left her home to go to a shop after drinking alcohol.

Her vehicle registration was given and police conducted a patrol of the area. They spotted O'Donnell, pulled her over and a smell of alcohol was noted.

The attending police officer said O'Donnell had clearly used quite a bit of perfume, but he could still smell intoxicating liquor on her.

Mrs Smout said several attempts were made to take an alcohol breath reading, with O'Donell either blowing too hard or not at all.

She said a roadside sample was eventually provided, and O'Donnell later registered an alcohol breath reading of 49 microgrammes at Newport Police Station.

The legal drink-drive limit is 35.

The court heard O'Donnell had one previous conviction ­— also for drink driving ­— but more than 20 years ago, in 1999.

James Cameron, defending, said O'Donnell admitted drinking some wine in the evening, but didn't think she was over the limit.

He said she always struggles around this time due to it being near the anniversary of her husband's death three years ago.

Mr Cameron said her daughter had moved in to support her, and O'Donnell realises she needs to be careful what she drinks.

O'Donnell was disqualified from driving for 13 months and fined £138.

She was ordered to pay costs of £85 and a £34 surcharge.