A RESEARCH doctor who admitted failing to give two samples of breath after being suspected of drinking and driving has been banned from the road for three years at Jedburgh Sheriff Court.

Claire Leiper, who is 38, of Woodville Terrace, Edinburgh, pleaded guilty to the offence which happened at Kelso Police Station on Saturday, August 13.

A not guilty plea to failing to give a sample of breath when requested to do by the police on an unclassified road south of the village of Heiton near Kelso on Saturday was accepted by the Crown.

The court was told she had a drink driving conviction in 2012.

Procurator fiscal Graham Fraser said her vehicle had come off the road at about 7.30pm.

He said: "She did not have any life in her phone.

"A passer by offered to phone but could not get a signal.

"Eventually the police came on the scene and officers noticed a strong smell of alcohol coming from the accused who appeared

agitated.

"They noticed she had a bottle of vodka in her handbag."

Mr Fraser said that when Leiper was asked to give a sample she told them she had "concerns".

When she was charged with the offence of refusing to give samples she replied: "I am beyond tired."

Defence lawyer Fiona Hamilton said her client had been feeling dizzy on new medication and had to leave her employment and now trying to sort out her benefits.

She said her client would struggle to get new employment without her licence.

Ms Hamilton said: "She wishes now she had taken the test as she did not know if she was over."

Sheriff Peter Paterson said Leiper had a history of driving offences and imposed a three year disqualification period.

In addition he imposed a community pay back order involving 12 months supervision as an alternative to a fine.