A WOMAN who used alcohol as a crutch to help her cope collided with a lorry while driving.

Terri Thomas, 60, retired but who had worked in education, was found to be more than twice the drink-drive limit.

She admitted driving a Corsa on the A483 at Rossett on November 1 when she had 88 microgrammes of alcohol in her breath compared to the legal limit of 35.

She was banned from driving for 22 months, fined £200 with £85 costs and a £30 surcharge.

North East Wales magistrates told Thomas, of Alyn Drive in Rossett, that she was obviously remorseful.

The Mold court heard she was breath-tested after a collision between her and a lorry.

Andy Holliday, defending, said Thomas had been battling with depression for 35 years and had been hospitalised twice.

It was no excuse but she had been deeply affected by a number of family events and had written a letter to the court.

She had used alcohol to help her cope but she did not wish to use what had happened as an excuse, accepted full responsibility and had shown genuine remorse, said Mr Holliday.

That day, following a disagreement with her husband, she made “the foolish and life-changing decision” to get into the car and drive to her son’s house.

“I will never forgive myself,” she said.

She said she wanted to apologise to the lorry driver and to the police officers and paramedics who attended.

It had been a stupid and dangerous decision to drive and she said: “I thank the Lord it was not fatal for myself or for anyone else.”

She was ashamed but determined to address her issues and told how the events would live with her forever.

Probation officer Andrew Connah said Thomas was extremely ashamed about her behaviour.

She herself had been injured in the collision, he said, and she had been very emotional in interview.

She had not wanted to be admitted to hospital after the collision because she did not want to cause trouble to any more people.

The court heard Thomas had been married 38 years, was staying with her son but hoped to return to the family home soon.

Magistrates were told Thomas was retired and helped look after her grandchildren and had previously worked in education,