A CARER failed to provide a specimen of breath after being suspected of drink-driving.

Fifty-year-old Joyce Barrett from Westruther was banned from the road for three years after Jedburgh Sheriff Court was told she had another conviction for drink-driving.

The court heard that a vehicle was found abandoned and insecure on the roadway at Nenthorn near Kelso at around 10pm.

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Police officers looked into the car and could detect a strong smell of alcohol with an empty wine bottle lying on the grass verge.

Enquiries revealed Barrett was the registered keeper of the car and police attended at her home address to speak to her.

But matters developed there as she appeared to be under the influence of alcohol and unsteady on her feet and slurring her words.

Barrett was non-compliant and argumentative with officers.

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She was taken to Hawick Police Station where she was required to provide a sample of breath but she refused to do so.

Barrett's lawyer said she was likely to lose her employment for a disabled man as a result of losing her driving licence.

In addition, she was fined £450 with a Victim Surcharge of £40.