A WOMAN'S dream of becoming a part-time police officer has ended after being banned from driving for a year.

Tara Allan, 33, from Park Lane, Darlington, was more than twice the drink-drive limit when police stopped her on the A1 on Sunday.

Magistrates in Harrogate were told that Allan, a catering supervisor, drove off after her husband told her their marriage was over and he wanted their five-year-old child, whose birthday they had been celebrating, to live with him.

Martin Butterworth, prosecuting, said the Ford Mondeo had reached Allerton Park, near Knaresborough, North Yorkshire, when police pulled it over.

Her solicitor Peter Olley said: ''She was totally shocked. She just got in the car and drove.

"She was not going anywhere in particular and now sees she would have been better off going for a walk.''

He said Allan, who admitted drink-driving, would lose her job without her licence and she would not be able to fulfil her wish to join the special constabulary.

''In one moment, she has lost everything,'' said Mr Olley.

Court chairman John Metcalfe said: ''Drink-driving is not acceptable behaviour. The circumstances described to us still do not make it acceptable, though they may mitigate your behaviour."

He imposed a fine of £100 with £50 costs and a 12-month driving ban.