A WEST Devon woman, aged 75, was caught driving at almost twice the legal alcohol limit, a court heard.

Mary Thompson drank a couple of gin and tonics before driving through Tavistock to take her dogs for a walk, Plymouth magistrates were told.

Mrs Thompson, of Russell Street, admitted drink-driving on May 13.

Magistrates banned her from driving for 18 months, fined her £120 and ordered that she pay £40 costs and £15 victim surcharge.

Zeenat Begum, for the Crown Prosecution Service, said police had a report that a car had collided with several parked vehicles in West Street at about 8pm.

She added officers attended and could find no sign of damage, but had a description of a Volkswagen Polo which they traced to Thompson's address.

Miss Begum said she was breathalysed and found to have 67 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath. The legal limit is 35.

Alan Harris, for Mrs Thompson, said she had a 40-year driving record with only one speeding conviction about 15 to 20 years ago.

He said she had poured herself two gin and tonics before driving to take her dogs for a walk on the moor near the town.

Mr Harris said she had made a 'mis-judgement' about the level of alcohol in her system.