A DENTAL nurse who crashed her car into barriers on the A7 was almost three times the legal alcohol limit.

Johanne Lamond pleaded guilty to driving with a breath/alcohol count of 61 microgrammes - the legal limit being 22 - during the early hours of December 5 between Galashiels and Stow.

The court heard the 26-year-old worked in Galashiels where she stayed in a bed and breakfast before returning to her home city of Dundee at the end of the week.

But procurator fiscal Graham Fraser said for some reason she decided to drive to Dundee at 1.30a. on a Thursday and crashed into barriers three miles north of Galashiels.

He added: "It caused a lot of damage to the car. "Passing police officers stopped and the accused was complaining of shoulder pain and there was a strong smell of alcohol from her."

Defence lawyer Ross Dow said: "She should not have taken this chance. She knew what she was doing as she had the best part of a bottle of wine.

"This will have a big impact on her life."

The court heard she had a similar conviction from 2009.

Sheriff Peter Paterson imposed a three year ban as well as a fine of £350.