A WOMAN stopped for bad driving on a main Plymouth road was found to be a banned driver and to be 'clearly in drink' , a court heard.

Plymouth Magistrates' Court was told that Leanne Mitchell, aged 25, pulled too quickly on to Exeter Street from Sutton Road with "tyres screeching" in the early hours of Sunday.

Police found that she was under the influence of alcohol and was disqualified from driving.

The court heard that she was banned from driving for similar offences in January.

Judge Paul Farmer said that Mitchell had decided she would not comply with that court order and that she could "do what she liked". He added that a custodial sentence was inevitable for the mother of two young children.

But Mr Farmer, who read a probation report into her background, said: "Two young lives are dependent on you for their support. For their sake as much as anyone else's I am going to suspend the sentence. You will not be able to use them as an excuse again."

She was given an eight-week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months.

Mitchell, of Budshead Road, was also made subject of a supervision order and must take a programme which helps her think through the consequence of her offending.

She admitted driving while disqualified, without insurance and failing to provide a specimen of breath for analysis on September 20.

Michael French, prosecuting, said police spotted a car pulling out of Sutton Road on to Exeter road at about 1.45am.

He added that it was going too quickly and its tyres were screeching.

Mr French said that Mitchell was "clearly in drink" but she failed to provide a breath specimen. He added that she seemed to be putting her tongue over the tube of the breathalyser.

Tracey Baker, for Mitchell, said that she had gone out for the evening with her partner at the wheel of her mother's car.

She added that she admitted drinking about three pints and was "well over the limit".

But the court heard that the couple then argued and her partner went off on his own leaving the car.

Mrs Baker said that Mitchell then decided to drive to a friend's home. She added that she was attending college to study nail technology and was now looking for work.