AN ISLE of Wight drink driver who flicked her headlights on and off because it was “dark”, while travelling at 25mph in a 50mph zone, has been banned from the road.

Ann Marie Buchanan, of Field Lane, St Helens, appeared before Isle of Wight magistrates on Friday, July 19.

The 44-year-old admitted drink driving in Ryde on July 4.

Prosecutor, Liz Miller, said police were alerted to a vehicle travelling along Beaper Shute at around 12.40am.

She said the driver, Buchanan, was travelling at 25mph in a 50mph zone and swaying in the lane unnecessarily.

Ms Miller said she went on to mount a grass verge and was seen to flick her headlights on and off.

Buchanan registered a breath-alcohol reading of 68 when the legal limit is 35.

Jim Osborne, defending, said Buchanan deeply regretted driving.

He said the road was particularly dark and that was the reason she operated her headlights in the way she did, but she disputed mounting the verge.

Buchanan was fined £507 and disqualified from driving for 18 months.

She was ordered to pay costs of £85 and a £203 surcharge.