A WOMAN who was being bothered by a group of men at a Swindon bar decided the best way to avoid them was to drive away, even though she had been drinking, a court has heard.

Gemma Alice Taylor, 25, of Melford Walk, pleaded guilty to a charge of drink-driving when she appeared before magistrates in the town on Wednesday.

Kate Prince, prosecuting, told the court that at 1.15am on Monday, February 6 this year police received reports of a woman walking towards Ocotal Way.

Taylor was found slumped on the pavement at Culverhouse Road with a Mercedes car key in her hand.

She told police she had been bothered by a number of men at the Lava Lounge, where she had been earlier that evening. She admitted she was in possession of the Mercedes.

The police station intoxilator revealed a level of 76 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of Taylor’s breath. The legal driving limit is 35mcg.

Defending, Mark Glendenning told the court Taylor had been having some problems with men at the Lava Lounge and had asked if she could leave by the back entrance.

She thought it would be best to drive away to avoid the men, Mr Glendenning said.

Taylor was disqualified from driving for 18 months and fined £150. She was also ordered to pay £85 court costs and a victim surcharge of £30.