AN AMBULANCE couldn't be used to answer 999 calls after a drunk woman lashed out while inside it.

Christina Morgan, 25, of Chandos Close, Grange Park, was taken into the ambulance on October 6 after paramedics were called to the Sir Daniel Arms because she had collapsed and become unconscious after drinking too much.

She pleaded guilty to a criminal damage charge at Swindon Magistrates' Court on Wednesday.

Pauline Lambert, prosecuting, said: "While on the way to Great Western Hospital, somewhere near the Magic Roundabout, she attempted to undo her seatbelt and kicked her legs around, narrowly missing ambulance staff.

"She broke a blood pressure cuff and put the stats probe on her finger into her mouth and pulled the wires out, damaging it beyond repair.

"She also damaged the window seal beyond repair.

"The ambulance was one of six serving Swindon that evening but was so badly damaged that it had to be taken out of service and could not attend emergency calls.

"When she arrived at the hospital, she was met by on-site security and continued to be disruptive.

"She had to be dragged into a wheelchair and taken inside.

"She'd finished work at 5.30 and started drinking at 6.10pm and drank so much that she didn't remember anything until she was in a police station."

Mark Glendenning, defending, said: "She is very sorry.

"I've known her for four years and she'd made significant progress in addressing the issues in her life.

"Probation tells me her attendance and progress has been excellent.

"She's mortified that she finds herself here."

A representative from the probation service said: "She worked very had to change her lifestyle, she's in full-time employment, has a stable relationship and support from her family."

Magistrates ordered Morgan to pay £400 in compensation and gave her a nine-month community order with 10 rehabilitation activity days and a month-long curfew, plus £85 to be paid to victim services.

Before leaving the dock, Morgan said: "I hope I'm not here again, I've got no excuses."