A 60-YEAR-old woman who ‘lost’ 12 hours after a drinking session lost her driving licence as a result.

Blackburn magistrates heard Clair Brown had been drinking after a hard day at work and fell asleep on the settee.

When she woke up the clock said it was eight o’clock and she thought it was the next morning and she was late for work.

She jumped in her car and set off for her job as a cleaner but on the way hit a kerb and crashed into a lamp post.

A breathalyser showed she was more than twice the drink-drive limit.

And the police officer’s watch showed it was actually 8pm.

Brown, of Brownhill Drive, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to driving with excess alcohol. She was banned from driving for 20 months and fined £110, with £105 costs.

Catherine Allan, prosecuting, said the lamp post was left hanging over the road after the collision in Buncer Lane, Blackburn.

As she was being taken to the police station, Brown said: “I never drink and drive. I can’t believe I’ve done this, I’m a criminal now.”

Kristian Cavanagh, defending, said his client had no previous convictions and was embarrassed to be appearing in court for the first time.

He said Brown had a drink and then fell asleep on the sofa after a long day at work.

“She woke and it was 8pm,” said Mr Cavanagh. “She thought it was 8am and in her mind she was going to work when she drove away from her home.”