A second-time drink driver had already been punished because as a result of her latest offence her husband had now got her three children living with him and there was a battle ongoing over where they should be.

At Truro Magistrates' Court Sarah Jane Eaton, aged 42, of St Mellans Terrace, Mullion, pleaded guilty to drink driving at Mullion on April 17 when she was more than three times over the limit.

Alison May, for the CPS, said a police officer had seen her driving erratically at Mullion at 11.30pm and she had three young children with her in the car.

When it stopped outside her home, she stumbled out, smelling of alcohol, and was clearly drunk. She was shouting and disturbing neighbours and was arrested, failing to calm down until she was physically restrained.

She tested at 107mcg and had a previous drink driving offence in 2001.

Elliott Moore, her solicitor, said it was not a normal occurrence for her to have her children with her in a pub late at night as it had been on this occasion. After difficulties recently involving the breakdown of her relationship they seemed to be enjoying themselves and she let them be.

She had no intention of driving home but when she had to get in the car to deal with a situation with one of the children, she then decided to drive.

Having the children removed as a result of her offence had been a devastating consequence for her and was a substantial punishment. Alcohol did not appear to be a factor with her.

Eaton was told to do 150 hours of unpaid work and banned from driving for 26 months. She had to pay £145 costs and surcharge.