A SUSPECTED drink driver told police she was unable to do the breathalyser test because she had asthma, heard Skipton Magistrates Court.

Kayleigh Morses, 33, of Skipton, went on to tell officers at Harrogate Police station that she could not provide a urine sample 'for personal reasons'.

Morses was driving on Station Road, Cross Hills at 2.30am on July 11 when because of the speed she was driving, she drew the attention of police, the court heard today (Friday).

It had been Euros semi-finals night, and she had been out with a friend. She had drunk 'four or five pints of lager' and was on her way with her friend to buy more alcohol, the court was told.

A police check showed the car she was driving was not insured. She pulled into Morrisons petrol station where she was approached by officers.

Because she smelt of alcohol and was slurring her words, she was asked to carry out a roadside breath test, but refused, despite being warned, said Nadine Clough, prosecuting. She was taken to Harrogate police station where after agreeing to be breathalysed, failed to carry it out properly.

She made four failed attempts, saying she had asthma, and when offered a urine test as an alternative, turned it down for personal reasons, said Ms Clough.

At court  today, Morses admitted failing to provide a specimen for analysis and using a vehicle on a road without insurance.

In mitigation, Keith Blackwell said Morses, a part time cleaner, deeply regretted what had happened.

She was a hard working woman, the mother of a teenager, had been driving for around 11 years and had a clean licence.

Mr Blackwell said it had been around the anniversary of the death of her mother and Morses was still mourning her.

Morses, who suffered from anxiety, said Mr Blackwell, had misread communication from her insurance company believing it ran out on July 19 when it was actually June 19. She had panicked when asked to do the breath test and at the police station her anxiety increased.

"She does have an asthma condition and does not have the blowing power that she should have. She was given the option to give a urine sample but unfortunately declined to do it. It is sad, she has given herself a great deal of trouble," said Mr Blackwell.

Probation officer Andrew Watson told the court that Morses lacked knowledge of alcohol units. She had drunk four or five pints of lager on the night of the euros semi finals and had believed she was safe to drive to purchase more alcohol.

He said she drank one or two times a week and could consume eight to ten cans of beer or two bottles of wine as a 'coping mechanism'.

Morses, of Rombalds Drive, Skipton, was given a 12 month community order with 60 hours unpaid work and up to 15 rehabilitation activity requirement days.

She was also banned from driving for 22 months and was ordered to pay costs of £85 and a surcharge of £114. If she completes a drink drivers rehabilitation course, her ban will be reduced by 22 weeks.