A WOMAN who was seen refuelling her car at a Penrith supermarket while obviously drunk was reported to the police by concerned bystanders.

Carlisle's Rickergate Magistrates Court heard that Sally Anne Ridley, 54, had been seen - clearly under the influence - after she stopped at the Morrisons petrol station in Penrith on October 4.

Police managed to stop her driving away, the court heard.

The defendant, of York Street, Penrith, admitted drink driving.

Prosecutor Neil White described how Ridley had managed to drive no more than a metre from the petrol pump in her BMW car before police flagged her down.

"She struggled to take her seat belt off and was slurring her words,"Mr White told magistrates.

A breath test showed she had 101mcg of alcohol in 100mls of breath.

The legal limit is 35mcg.

Jeff Smith, defending, said Ridley was involved in an accident three of four years ago and now suffered severe and constant pain as a result.

"She's been using alcohol to control the pain," said the lawyer, adding that Ridley had no intention of ever driving again.

Magistrates imposed a 26 month driving ban and fined the defendant £200, with £85 costs and a £34 victim surcharge.