A COLLEGE student in Kilwinning has been banned from driving for 18 months after crashing a car whilst three times the legal alcohol limit.

Zoe Burns admitted driving a vehicle on Mauchline Road, Hurlford on July 6, 2020 while under the influence.

The 21-year-old was sentenced at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court last week having pleaded guilty to the offence.

Defence solicitor Nicole McCondichie told Tuesday's hearing that her client had no previous convictions and works part-time at Pets at Home while studying sports science at college in Kilwinning.

Ms McCondichie said: "At around 2.40am on July 6, 2020 police were contacted by a friend of the accused stating she had crashed a vehicle whilst under the influence at the locus.

"Police attended and the accused was traced nearby. Officers observed the vehicle to be damaged and the engine was still hot to the touch.

"The accused was confirmed as the registered keeper of the vehicle and she failed a roadside breath test."

According to court documents, Burns returned a reading showing 67mcg of alcohol in 100ml of breath; the legal limit in Scotland is 22mcg/100ml.

The defence solicitor added: "She was in an uncomfortable situation and tried to escape it.

"It was a complete lack of judgement and she accepts full responsibility."

Sheriff Alistair Watson told Burns: "It is a very high reading and that will have to be reflected in the court's disposal."

Burns, of Dumgoyne Road, Kilmarnock, was fined £450 and disqualified from holding or obtaining a driving licence for 18 months.

Sheriff Watson told her that if she were to successfully complete a drink driving rehabilitation course then the road ban would be reduced to 14 months.

Burns will repay the fine - plus a £20 victim surcharge - at a rate of £60 a month.