A drink-driver crashed into three cars after drinking wine, taking a sleeping tablet then inexplicably deciding to drive to the shops.

Gail Bissett’s lawyer said the 45-year-old had drunk the alcohol after learning of her father’s death in Zimbabwe.

Swindon Magistrates’ Court heard Bissett had received a call telling her of the tragic news.

Understandably upset, she drank two glasses of wine and some beer then took a sleeping tablet. Mr Glendenning said: “For no reason she can fathom she then decided she needed to go shopping.”

Those living on St Philip’s Road, Upper Stratton, heard a bang. When they looked out of their windows they saw a Peugeot 207 had crashed into three cars. Bissett was the driver.

She was taken to hospital by police and provided a blood sample, which showed she had the equivalent 98 milligrammes of alcohol in a litre of blood. The legal limit is 80.

Bissett, of Clays Close, Upper Stratton, admitted drink-driving. The charge was dated October 29, 2019. She was banned from driving for 14 months and ordered to pay over £230 in costs, fines and surcharge. Chairman of the bench Christine Smith said: “As long as you pay the money and don’t drive again you should hear no more about this matter.”