A DRUNKEN 25-year-old Darwen mother was seen staggering home with her two-year-old daughter walking in front pushing a doll's pram.

Blackburn magistrates heard that Lisa Faulkner was so drunk she could hardly stand when police officers concerned for the little girl's welfare approached her in Knott Street.

David Marco, prosecuting, said: "She was unable to stand properly let alone look after a two-year-old child."

Faulkner, of Walmsley Street, pleaded guilty to being drunk while in charge of a child and was fined £50.

Mr Macro said that at one stage, as the officers were trying to speak to her, Faulkner fell against some railings.

When they first saw her she was staggering from the pavement into the road and back again.

He said Faulkner had previous convictions for drink-related offences.

Michael Blacklidge, defending, said Faulkner was a lady of "intelligence, ability and potential" who found herself in a difficult position.

He said: "She finds herself very alone and very isolated. She acknowledges that her alcohol consumption is perhaps more deep seated than was at first thought."