A GP medical receptionist who drove while almost four times the legal alcohol limit has been banned from the road for 12 months at Selkirk Sheriff Court.

Sixty-two-year-old Alison Tobias had a breath/alcohol reading of 84 microgrammes – the legal limit being 22 – when stopped by police in the car park of Dingleton Apartments in Melrose on October 14.

Prosecutor Drew Long said there had been concern for her and police attended at the scene.

Tobias, who lives in Hamilton, had left one car park but was found in another one and officers could smell alcohol from her.

Her lawyer explained that the divorcee, who has no previous convictions, had held a licence for 44 years.

He explained she had been visiting a male friend which was a new relationship but there had been a falling out and she was feeling uneasy about the situation she was in.

He added that she panicked and after putting the dogs in the car she drove to another car park.

She was 50 miles from home and planned to sleep in the car when the police arrived on the scene.

Sheriff Peter Paterson said that due to the high reading he would have disqualified her for 18 months but reduced the length of the ban to 12 months due to the guilty plea.

In addition, Tobias was fined £400 with a £20 victim surcharge.