A DRIVER was four times over the drink-drive limit when she was involved in an early morning crash which resulted in the death of her uncle, a court heard.

John Flynn, 88, who died two weeks after suffering severe head injuries in the collision, was a passenger in the Mitsubishi Gallant driven by his niece, Joan Garbutt, 44.

University student Claire Bailey, 20, suffered a fractured pelvis and damaged knee ligaments, and still has difficulty walking after Garbutt struck her as she crossed the A690 in February last year, Newcastle Crown Court was told.

Garbutt was driving her uncle back to Gilesgate, Durham City, when she lost control of the car.

Prosecutor John Aitken said: "They were in a queue of about 100 metres before the traffic lights where they were going to turn left.

"At that point the defendant lurches out of the single lane of traffic on to the wrong side of the road.

"She accelerates rapidly, to about 30mph over a short distance and proceeds downhill towards traffic lights and a pedestrian crossing."

Witnesses said Miss Bailey was thrown in the air and cartwheeled over the vehicle.

Mr Flynn died of pneumonia on May 3 after his head injuries received in the smash led to complications.

Garbutt told police she could remember being in the queue, but became dizzy and could remember nothing more about what happened during the accident.

She was left tetraplegic after the accident and still needed the support of a walking stick.

Garbutt, of Prospect Place, New Brancepeth, Durham, sobbed as she admitted causing death by dangerous driving. Sentencing was adjourned for four weeks for reports.