A TWO-time drunk driver who dangerously and repeatedly swerved her car into the path of oncoming traffic in Port Glasgow whilst 'grossly' intoxicated on wine and powerful anti-depressants was a potential killer, a sheriff has declared.

Catherine Thomson, 55, was told by lawman Thomas Ward that she could easily have brought about someone's death through her reckless afternoon offence as empty booze bottles rolled around inside her Suzuki Splash.

Thomson was in such a state after being arrested and taken to Greenock police office that officers 'had to hold her up' because she couldn't stand unaided, Greenock Sheriff Court was told.

She later refused to provide a urine sample which had been requested in order to ascertain her precise level of intoxication.

Thomson, of the Port's Glenside Avenue, has been spared a prison sentence and been given unpaid work instead.

Her lawyer, Derek Buchanan, told the court: "Various bereavements caused difficulties and these were compounded by workplace difficulties that she was having.

"These matters have been discussed openly by her employer, Ikea, and through them she has been receiving counselling.

"She was on strong anti-depressant medication prior to this incident.

"The combination of alcohol and her medication have grossly hampered her judgement."

Mr Buchanan said his client had been 'candid' with social workers preparing a background report on her, adding: "From the outset she has recognised the very serious nature of this matter.

"There is an analogous matter from 16 years ago and she appreciates that this will be of extreme concern to the court and that all sentencing options will be considered."

The court heard that Thomson had self-referred to addiction services following the incident and had also 'engaged actively in voluntary work in an attempt to repay the community'.

A previous calling of the case heard how she had been spotted by another driver at the roundabout on the Port's Clune Brae at around three o'clock in the afternoon.

Fiscal depute John Penman said: "It was suspected that she may have been intoxicated and the witness asked her daughter to start filming the accused's car on a mobile phone.

"The accused stopped outside an address on Arran Avenue.

"Whilst waiting for police to arrive, the accused released the handbrake of her vehicle, causing it to roll downhill."

Mr Buchanan urged Sheriff Thomas Ward to follow a recommendation in the background report for a non-custodial disposal of the case.

Sheriff Ward told Thomson: "You were driving a vehicle whilst substantially under the influence of alcohol in the middle of the afternoon.

"I have heard what has been said on your behalf but the fact is that you could have killed someone.

"You have a previous conviction for this type of offence.

"However, on this occasion you were driving dangerously."

The sheriff added: "The difficulty is that people who refuse to provide specimens to the police make it impossible for the court to work out their level of intoxication.

"You are fortunate that you are not going to jail today."

Thomson has been ordered to complete 200 hours of unpaid work within 12 months and been banned from the roads for three years as a direct alternative to prison.

Her car has also been forfeited.