A WOMAN drove under the influence of drugs twice within four days – until she crashed into a central reservation.
Meredith Turnbull, aged 35, drifted and swerved across busy roads with cannabis and Valium in her system.
She waited until police returned her car after the first incident before getting back behind the wheel, Plymouth magistrates heard.
But Turnbull then crashed into a central reservation and her parents are now to sell the Skoda Fabia.
Magistrates have banned her from driving for three years and handed her a fine and court costs adding up to almost £500.
Turnbull, of Belgrave Road, Mutley, pleaded guilty to driving while under the influence of drugs in Courtenay Street in the city centre on November 12.
He also admitted a similar offence in Plymouth Road, near Embankment Road, four days later.
Turnbull pleaded guilty to driving without due care and attention and possession of a trace of cannabis on that day.
Caroline Gates, for the Crown Prosecution Service, said the defendant was a client at Hamoaze House, a centre dealing with those with drug problems.
She added a member of staff noticed she was swaying from side to side and took her car keys so she could not drive home.
Mrs Gates said Turnbull returned later and took the keys.
She added that the Skoda was seen swerving through roadworks and mounting kerbs and traffic islands in Stoke.
The court heard that Turnbull was arrested and released on bail pending analysis of her blood.
Mrs Gates said she waited to recover her car from a police depot in Ivybridge – but was spotted driving badly on the A38 on the way home.
She added the Skoda was seen in Plymouth Road drifting from lane to lane until it crashed into the central reservation.
Mrs Gates said samples taken on both occasions showed she had cannabis and Valium in her system.
Roger Page, for Turnbull, said she suffered from bipolar disorder and took drugs to combat her mood swings.
He added that her parents were going to sell the car.
Magistrates banned her from driving for three years, fined her £230, ordered that she pay £150 criminal courts charge, £85 costs and £20 victim surcharge.
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