A woman was caught driving in the centre of Norwich in a dangerous car while about two and a half times the drink-drive limit.

Norwich Magistrates' Court was told yesterday the bumper of the car was coming loose, there was a hole in a tyre, and the wheels were running on the trim, leaving gouge marks along the road.

Kim Petti, 30, from Sprowston Road, Norwich, admitted failing to stop after an accident, driving with excess alcohol, driving without due care and attention, driving without insurance or a test certificate and obstructing a police officer.

The offences happened on Saturday, August 6, in Riverside Road.

The court heard Petti gave a reading of 84mcg of alcohol per 100ml of breath – the limit is 35mcg. Denis King, prosecuting, said: 'The offence started near the Rosary Road junction with Riverside Road. It was about 11pm.

'A woman driver of a Vauxhall Corsa said she saw the defendant's Audi A4 coming towards her and crossing the road.

'A collision took place and the other car driver stopped, but Petti continued to drive up Riverside Road towards Thorpe Road and the rail station.

'Two police officers were on duty in Thorpe Road. They heard Petti's car revving excessively and on the wrong side of the road.

'They heard a screech of tyres and saw smoke coming from the car.

'The car then lurched towards a kerb where two people were walking, narrowly avoiding them.

'Officers stopped the car, pulled the door open and took the keys. The car's air bag had been deployed and there were gouges in the road. She was arrested but gave wrong personal details.'

The car was inspected by a traffic officer who said it was dangerous to drive.

Defending, Rob New said Petti was horrified when she saw CCTV footage of what happened.

He said: 'She suffers from schizophrenia, bipolar and depression, and was in a terrible state at the time.

'She has no idea why she got in the car or where she was going. She is embarrassed, ashamed and desperately sorry.'

The case was adjourned for reports and Petti was given an interim driving ban.