A DRIVER was more than three times the legal limit when she was stopped by police who first saw her on the M65 motorway.

Blackburn magistrates heard Neecolle Rooney accepted she had taken a "stupid risk" in getting behind the wheel.

Rooney, 26, of Fowler Height Close, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to driving with excess alcohol.

She was made subject to a community order for 12 months with 120 hours' unpaid work, banned from driving for 26 months and ordered to pay £85 costs and £85 victim surcharge.

Alex Mann, prosecuting, said police saw Rooney driving erratically on the M65 at 3am.

She was stopped after leaving the motorway at junction 5.

Jonathan Taylor, defending, said his client had taken a stupid risk and she was extremely apologetic.

"She is not the kind of person who would try and excuse her behaviour," said Mr Taylor.

"She has done wrong and she stands to be punished."