A CLUB stewardess refused to give a breath sample when she was arrested by police after driving back from work, a court was told.

Blackburn magistrates heard that Amanda Durkin was also a disqualified driver, although her ban would have been over if she had taken advantage of an alcohol awareness programme which is rewarded by a reduction in disqualification.

Durkin, 34, of Bonny Grass Terrace, Billington, pleaded guilty to driving with excess alcohol, while disqualified and without insurance.

She was made subject to a community rehabilitation order for 12 months, disqualified from driving for three years and ordered to pay £100 costs.

Durkin agreed to be referred to the drink-drive rehabilitation programme which, if completed successfully, would reduce her ban by nine months.

The court heard that police saw a car travelling at speed in Whalley Road, Billington, and pulled up behind it as it stopped outside Durkin's home.

Daniel King, defending, said Durkin was the stewardess at Billington Brass Band Club, about half a mile from her home.

He said about 18 months ago there was a vicious assault on a young lady on that stretch of road and Durkin had been very anxious about the journey ever since.