A NURSE was caught with an "astronomical" amount of alcohol in her system while driving at a Loch Lomondside beauty spot - with two children in the car.

Joanna Pitman was found by police to be seven times the legal alcohol limit after being stopped on Main Road in Luss on May 7.

The 43-year-old’s breath sample gave a reading of 154 microgrammes of alcohol in 100ml of breath.

The legal limit in Scotland is 22 microgrammes.

Pitman, of Glasgow's Southside, appeared for sentencing at Dumbarton Sheriff Court last week after pleading guilty to drink-driving and to wilfully risking the health of the children in the car at the time.

Pitman’s solicitor told Sheriff William Gallacher that his client was a first offender, adding: “She has advised me that when the pandemic hit, her circumstances changed, and she began drinking more frequently. Essentially the alcohol problem escalated.”

Sheriff Gallacher said: “The reading is astronomical. I am very concerned. However, she has grasped that she is very fortunate given the circumstances.”

Pitman’s lawyer added: “She is ultimately at a very low point in her life. She accepts that she does need help.

“She has self-referred to her GP. She tells me that [the drinking] seems to be somewhat under control.

“Things have come to a head in a frightful manner and she is willing to address it. She is clearly a member of society that gives back quite a lot.

“She is eager to get back to work and she feels very supported at this time. I just ask you take into account the plea [of guilty] at the earliest opportunity.”

Sheriff Gallacher added: “I was surprised by the situation that arose. I have read the social work report and I understand something of why you did what you did.

“I am quite satisfied that this was something you have not chosen to be involved in, and other things influenced you some ways in relation to that.

“You realise that the consequences could have been utterly catastrophic. I am satisfied that you ought to be given additional support.”

Pitman was disqualified for 32 months and placed on a community payback order which will see her supervised by social workers for 15 months.

The sheriff added: “If you do this again, heaven help us.”