A CARE worker got behind the wheel while more than two times the legal alcohol limit, a court heard.

Weymouth Magistrates Court heard how Deborah Karen Kennett, 51, finished work around 5pm as a self-employed care worker for the elderly and drank a bottle of vodka before driving a black Volkswagen on the B3081 in Shaftesbury on January 5.

The court heard how Kennett drank the bottle of vodka due to the date being the anniversary of her mum's death.

Kennett had an alcohol level of 80 microgrammes of alcohol per 100ml of breath - the legal limit in England is 35mcg.

Mitigating Simon Lacey said: "It's out of her character. She is a mother herself with two children.

"She bought the bottle due to being upset as it was the anniversary of her mum's death.

"She feels as though she has let the elderly people she works for down.

"She said she is shocked by her actions."

Since the driving offence Kennett has been seeking support.

The 51-year-old, who lives in Stanford Cottages, Semley, was disqualified from driving for 20 months.

Kennett was also ordered to pay a fine of £200, a victim surcharge of £34, and £85 costs - totalling £319.