A MOTORIST who drove off after hitting a police patrol car on a Crewe street was unable to provide a breath test specimen, a court heard.

Jessica Maguire, 31, of Broughton Road, Crewe pleaded guilty to failing to provide a specimen for analysis at a police custody suite and failing to stop after a road traffic accident on March 6 this year.

South Cheshire Magistrates' Court heard Maguire's Nissan car appeared to be out of control on Minshull New Road when it veered across a roundabout into the path of a patrolling police BMW.

Prosecutor Simon Green said the PC took evasive action to avoid a collision, but the front of his vehicle was struck. There was damage to the wheel arch and scratching.

"The vehicle didn't stop initially, but when it did the defendant was found to be very unsteady on her feet and said 'Okay, sorry you've got me'," said Mr Green.

Maguire was able to provide a roadside reading, which was over the drink-drive limit, but was unable to provide a breath test later after her arrest.

The prosecutor added: "She was very remorseful. There was a level of impairment with her driving."

Maguire's solicitor, Stuart Flood, said the defendant was "deeply ashamed" about her actions and outlined how she had provided two readings, including one at the roadside, before then trying and failing eight times to provide a definitive breath test for police.

But he said: "She was expecting a blood sample to be taken. She didn't deliberately refuse."

And the solicitor added: "She was not going out of her way to be difficult with anybody. She had some drink and medicine for her anxiety at home and that affected the manner of her driving.

"She panicked and was on he way to a friend's house - unfortunately the vehicle she comes into contact with is a police vehicle."

Magistrates imposed an interim driving ban as they asked for a probation report to be prepared on Maguire before sentencing her and they adjourned her case until April 19.