A MOTHER who smashed into a friend and neighbour's car after she had been drinking was going to kill herself, a court was told.

Burnley Magistrates heard how Catherine Weaver, 33, had been at a "desperately low ebb" after her abusive ex-boyfriend threatened to go round to her house in the early hours.

Weaver had become a nervous wreck after midnight calls from her ex and refused three times to give a breath test. Her solicitor said she was in such a state she did not care what the police did to her. The defendant, of Shelfield Road, Nelson, admitted failing to provide a specimen of breath, failing to stop after an accident and failing to report it. She was banned for 12 months, fined £150 and must pay £55 costs. Weaver had no previous convictions.

Tom Snape, prosecuting, said on August 7 the defendant's neighbour called police and said her parked car had been hit. Blue marks were on the damaged vehicle.

Officers went to Marsden Hall Road and found Weaver sitting in the driver's seat of her car with the keys in the ignition. Her breath smelled strongly of drink and when the defendant was asked to get out of the car, she was unsteady on her feet, her pupils were dilated and her speech was slurred.

Mr Snape said Weaver was arrested and taken to the police station. She refused to provide a specimen for analysis three times. Bill Berry, defending, said Weaver separated from her husband about 12 months ago and she met and began to live with another man.

She was subjected to physical and emotional abuse and the relationship was very difficult and upsetting for the defendant.

About two weeks ago she split up from her abusive partner, he had bombarded her with letters and phone calls and she had gradually become worn down and a nervous wreck.

Mr Berry said on the day before the offence, the defendant found he had taken her wedding ring and photos, became distraught and uncharacteristically had a drink at home.

Her children were staying at her mother's and around midnight the phone began to ring repeatedly. She knew it was her former partner and he then rang her mobile phone and sent a text message. He said if she did not answer the telephone he would go round to her house.

The solicitor said Weaver was at a "desperately low ebb" and left the house intending to kill herself. She had only gone about 15 yards before she collided with her friend's car and then drove another 250 yards before bursting into tears and pulling in at the side of the road.

Mr Berry added the only explanation the defendant could offer for not co-operating with police was that she was at such a low ebb she did not care what they did to her.