A DRUNK police worker who drove 16 miles on the wrong side of a motorway started her journey in Rossendale, a court heard.

Sandra White, a 50-year-old divorcee, was beginning a three-month prison sentence after magistrates in Manchester were shown a police video that captured part of the dangerous drive.

The court heard that White, a civilian police worker, had been out for a meal and drinks with a friend on March 2 -- she was found to be three times over the legal drink-drive limit.

It was said that after a blazing row, she leapt behind the wheel of her black Ford Ka and headed for her home in Middleton, near Rochdale. She was first spotted driving in the wrong direction on the Edenfield bypass, at around 11pm.

The court was told that several police cars converged, but she swerved around them, heading south on the M66. Police finally boxed her in.

White, a lab technician for the Greater Manchester force, admitted drink driving and dangerous driving. White was banned from driving for 18 months and ordered to take a re-test. Police chiefs will be considering her future.